South Africa project
Aim for human rights has a Human Rights and Business Capacity Building Project in South Africa since 2006. The aim of the project is to contribute to the respect, protection and promotion of human rights by companies. Companies should do so on the workfloor and in the direct and indirect sphere of influence of the company.
Human rights in South Africa
Business related human rights issues that are common in South Africa are discrimination, child labour, HIV/AIDS and unsafe business sectors like mining and industry. Companies in South Africa can be faced with ineffective or unclear legislation in the field of human rights. Social and cultural developments also have an impact on human rights risks for companies operating in South Africa. Many human rights risks are characteristic for the South African society and require a specific approach. In cooperation with local companies and civil society organisations, Aim for human rights developed a South African version of the HRCA which is frequently used.
The project
The South Africa project focuses on awareness raising and capacity building of organisations and companies based on the HRCA tools. Round table meetings, multi-stakeholder conferences and training sessions are means that Aim for human rights uses to achieve this. In 2006, Aim for human rights initiated a project group of NGOs and sector organisations active in the field of human rights and business. The African Institute for Corporate Citizenship (AICC), Johannesburg operates since 2007 as the local partner /secretariat of the project. The AICC organized not only local activities, but also promotes and advices on the use of the HRCA tools.
HRCA South Africa
Together with the project organisations it was decided in 2006 to develop a local version of the HRCA. This version, called Masizibheke, is tailored to the South African legislation and social, economic and political context within the country. The HRCA-SA is based on the South African Country Risk Assessment (CRA). Human rights issues characteristic for South Africa like HIV/AIDS and affirmative action are included in this version. The tool was launched in 2008 and tested by South African companies in cooperation with project partners the same year.
Human Rights and Business Game South Africa
Together with the South African company Strategic Productivity, Aim for human rights developed a boardgame on human rights and business. There is an international version, and a South African version which is adapted to the specific South African context. Players of the game play the CEO of a fictitious company, where they will need insight in human rights and business administration to solve human rights dilemmas. Aim for human rights developed this educational game for representatives of companies, organisations and government institutions in order to create more awareness on corporate responsibilities for human rights in a playful manner.
More information
Fore more information please contact Hansje Plagman by tel: +31 (0)30 233 40 27 or e-mail.
