Holding Businesses Accountable for Human Rights: What We Can Learn

This week, Ethiopia took an important step forward in it’s process of adopting a National Action Plan (NAP) on Business and Human Rights (BHR). FES Ethiopia and the Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR) hosted a workshop where the Ethiopia’s draft National Baseline Assessment was presented , which will inform the country’s first NAP on BHR. The findings will guide upcoming consultations with government, trade unions, business, civil society and all other stakeholders to define priorities and determine an implementation strategy.

In support of this process, the workshop included an experience-sharing session with representatives from Kenya, Ghana, and Uganda—countries that have already gone through the difficult but crucial journey of NAP development. The discussion highlighted a number of key lessons that are relevant to Ethiopia’s own path.

In Ghana, the development of the NAP was shaped by inclusive consultations in all of the country’s region. Ghana’s team underscored the need for adaptive stakeholder mapping, strong public awareness efforts—including through media outreach—and a clear strategy to engage both state and non-state actors throughout the drafting process. They also emphasized the value of a business case for human rights, including incentives for companies to align with the NAP’s objectives.

Kenya shared insights from its five-year NAP development process, which was grounded in broad consultations and a gender-sensitive lens. Kenyan representatives noted that engaging the private sector—particularly small and micro enterprises—remained a challenge, but ongoing dialogue and consistent follow-up helped build momentum over time.

Uganda’s contribution focused on the scale and depth of its consultation process, which engaged over 600 people from 99 districts across 11 sub-regions, including internally displaced persons, women’s groups, and communities affected by extractive industries. The country also developed eight national priorities, including land rights, labor rights, access to remedy, and protections for vulnerable and marginalized groups. The country is also seeking to keep the conversation active through annual BHR symposia and partnerships with private sector actors, including companies operating in high-risk sectors.

What stood out across the board? The importance of inclusive consultations, long-term commitment, inter-ministerial coordination, and a strong gender perspective. Stakeholders also agreed that building a clear business case for human rights—through recognition, incentives, and accountability mechanisms—is essential for meaningful and sustainable implementation.