With the introduction of a business and human rights (B & HR) program in 2007, SERAC has expanded its core programs to respond to the growing incidences of development-based infractions between business actors and their host communities.More specifically, the B & HR program documents and monitors living conditions and human rights practices in communities hosting mega- business concerns, especially in the Niger Delta region. Under this banner, SERAC not only takes stock of the progress made by the business community in giving effect to due process and the human rights of host communities in which they are working, but also seeks to develop programs that inspire the government and corporate entities to incorporate human rights principles into their corporate values, policies and activities.Our ultimate goal is to demonstrate that oil exploration in particular, and other development projects can, and should be an enabler for the realization of human rights.
OKLNG Project: In the eye of the storm
Harmonizing economic growth with the protection of human rights is one of the greatest challenges on development agenda. The recent trend in human rights discourse indicates an increased recognition of the link between business and human rights which creates a corresponding obligation on governments to ensure that transnational corporations operate within the framework of international human rights standards for businesses.Consistent with this inclination, SERAC’s Program Coordinator, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, and Belema Ladapo, Program Officer, Business and Human Rights were part of the 12-man team that undertook a fact-finding mission to Ode Omi community in Waterside local government area of OgunState that plays host to the Olokola Liquified Natural Gas (OKLNG) and Free Trade Zone (FTZ) projects, on September 12-14, 2007. The mission had its team members drawn from leading human rights organizations, the media, photo journalists, a donor agency and other interest groups in the host community.
