Business & Human Rights

The Business and Human Rights research programme focuses on the business and human rights issues relevant to corporate actors operating in our focal region, encompassing also environmental, social and governance (ESG) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) matters. It places an emphasis on existing regulatory and non-regulatory initiatives for securing responsible business conduct whilst drawing on our in-region expertise to support emerging efforts to ensure corporate human rights compliance and sustainable responsible business.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Natural resources News

CSOs gather in Dar es Salaam to strategize on engagement with extractive sector companies

In June 2025, IPIS convened a workshop in Dar es Salaam, bringing together 11 civil society organizations (CSOs) to strengthen strategies and coordination for engaging with companies in the extractive sector. The event brought together both grassroots organizations working directly with communities living near extractive sites or infrastructure, and more policy-oriented CSOs engaged in advocacy and regulatory dialogue.

Kimberley Process lifts conflict diamonds embargo on the Central African Republic – Q&A

At its 2024 plenary meeting in Dubai, the Kimberley Process (KP) decided to lift the 11-year-old embargo on rough diamond exports from the Central African Republic. What were the driving factors behind this decision, and what are its implications?
In this Q&A, IPIS delves into the background of the embargo, its impact and effectiveness, the rationale for its removal, and the potential consequences for the CAR, the KP, and the global diamond trade.

Highlights from the OECD Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains

Last week, representatives of civil society, industry, and governments gathered at the 2024 OECD Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains in Paris. Members of the IPIS team attended to stress the need for investments in artisanal mining in producer countries, reflected on what strategic mineral partnerships should

IPIS Event: Congolese cobalt, EU regulations, and direct investment

On the 30th of November, IPIS hosted its annual panel discussion, this time on current challenges facing the cobalt sector in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the potential impact of European Union (EU) regulations to improve these. Moderated by Lotte Hoex, the