UN FORUM – DAY 3 - AFRICA Morning Session: Accelerating Business and Human Rights in Africa Amidst Crises and Transformations @icelisglobal’s Founder and CEO, @athwal_i was pleased to participate in this afternoon’s high-level session on the rapidly evolving business and human rights landscape across the African continent. Moderated by Professor @dsolawuyi, SAN, FCIArb, Vice Chair of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights @WGBizHRs, and @UNESCOChairHBKU, the discussion examined how overlapping economic, social, environmental, and governance crises are deepening vulnerabilities across key sectors in Africa— from extractives and agriculture to raw materials and manufacturing. Participants highlighted the urgent need for community-led monitoring, transformative accountability, and effective human rights due diligence that meaningfully redistributes power and strengthens resilience on the ground. 🎥 Watch our video on Business and Human Rights in hashtag #Africa: youtube.com/watch?v=4l3F48xN… Co-organized by @CommunityCiag, @FESonline Africa, ACE (Action against Child Exploitation), @jica_direct_en, @ICI_children1st, and @UNDP, the session offered practical insights from experts working across Africa to advance rights-based business practices in times of instability and transformation. Professor Damilola S. Olawuyi, SAN, FCIArb, Vice Chair, @WGBizHRs (Moderator) @tamalegw, Workplace Health & Wellness Specialist, @FUEmployersUg HE @ImmaculateIman, Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Nigeria Amevi AWOKOU, Partnerships Coordinator & Security Focal Point, @ICI_children1st ESTHER OFORI, Head of the Child Labour Unit, Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, Ghana @WamaiJacqueline, Regional Coordinator for Sub-Saharan Africa, @ILAW_Network 📝 Full agenda: forumbhr2025.sched.com/ 🌐 More info: ohchr.org/en/events/sessions… 🤝 Support the Forum: ohchr.org/en/events/sessions… Today’s session illuminated critical themes shaping Africa’s BHR future: -Tackling persistent implementation gaps across national and regional frameworks -Strengthening human rights due diligence in fragile and high-risk environments -Protecting individuals and communities most at risk -Empowering locally led mechanisms for accountability -Building rights-based resilience amid complex and overlapping crises ICELIS Global remains committed to supporting community-centered, evidence-driven, and rights-based approaches that strengthen accountability and contribute to fairer, more sustainable business ecosystems across Africa. 📸 (3)L-R: Dr. Youssouf Tom, Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Republic of Chad, Professor Damilola S. Olawuyi, SAN, FCIArb, Elena Athwal, and Amna Zaman #BizHumanRights #UNForumBHR #AfricaBHR #HumanRightsDueDiligence #TransformativeAccountability #CommunityLedAction #UNGPs #HumanRights #ICELISGlobal