Indigenous Peoples Caucus

Background 

​

The African Business and Human Rights Forum is an annual event bringing together stakeholders from across Africa to facilitate discussion and exchange on how to advance, prevent, mitigate and remediate business-related human rights abuses in the region

 

In Africa, since 2022, the United Nations Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights has been held as a space that brings together governments, businesses, civil society groups and affected groups, including Indigenous Peoples, to discuss trends and challenges in the implementation of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

​

In 2025, the 4th edition of the Africa Forum on Business and Human Rights will be held from 7 to 9 October, with the aim of ‘discussing opportunities, challenges and practices to prevent, mitigate and address negative human rights impacts related to business activity, particularly in relation to environmental impacts.’ The topic is of particular relevance to Indigenous Peoples in Africa, as the impact of businesses on human rights and the environment is often intrinsically related to violations of the rights of Indigenous Peoples. In this sense, the Forum is an important space to reinforce the need for States and businesses to adopt and implement effective mechanisms to guarantee the respect and protection of the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

​

Among the preparatory events and/or meetings convened by the organisations and included in the Forum’s Programme, the Indigenous Caucus offers an opportunity to discuss the consequences of business activities on human rights and the rights of Indigenous Peoples, and to agree on a statement expressing the main demands and proposals for the application of the Guiding Principles and other international instruments relating to the rights of Indigenous Peoples. It is therefore important to have a global and regional view of this phenomenon.

​

In order to introduce indigenous representatives to the theme, agenda, and activities of the 4th  Regional Forum and international processes related to human rights, the rights of Indigenous Peoples and businesses, the Indigenous Caucus, in collaboration with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples, will convene an informational and preparatory session for representatives of Indigenous Peoples.

​

Key Objectives

 

• To introduce indigenous representatives to the theme, agenda and activities of the 4th African Regional Forum and international processes related to human rights, Indigenous Peoples' rights and businesses.

• To share information on the impact of business activities on the rights of Indigenous Peoples and their territories and strengthen coordination among Indigenous representatives on addressing these issues in the activities of the 4th African Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights.

• To discuss concrete recommendations to States, businesses and international organisations to address the negative impact of business activities on the enjoyment of Indigenous Peoples rights, promoting the participation of Indigenous representatives in shaping the outcomes of discussions of the 4th African Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights.

​

Expected Outcomes

• Increased coordination among Indigenous Representatives for participation at the 4th African Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights

• Outcome document highlighting main human rights concerns and recommendations to address them.

​