LACK of job contracts at work places and conflicts between investors and neighbouring communities are some of the challenges hindering adherence to human rights in business, the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG) has observed.

CHRAGG Vice Chairperson Mohamed Khamis Hamadi made the revelation yesterday while giving remarks at the opening of a meeting to review opinions and views of different stakeholders, held in Arusha.

The commission is currently engaging different stakeholders at different places including  work places, in preparation of a National Action Plan on Human Rights and Business (NAP-BHR), aimed to strengthen the culture of adhering to human rights in business.

“The commission has learnt that many people work without job contracts and that there are a lot of conflicts between investors and the neighbouring communities” he said.

He said CHRAGG in collaboration with other stakeholders has managed to gather views, opinions and recommendations through meetings as well as physical visits for verification.

Hamadi explained that the commission visited different areas like industries, hotels, fishing beaches, mines and managed to talk to workers and people living around the mining and industrial areas.

He mentioned some of the benefits of NAP-BHR, including preventing and reducing acts of violation of human rights in implementation of business activities as well as building capacity for marginalized groups regarding protection and defence of their rights and protecting human rights defenders.

Speaking at the same meeting, Dr Anna Henga, Executive Director, Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) stated that for several years her organization has been advocating for human rights in business.

She said with regard to the importance of upholding human rights in business and development of society, LHRC has been providing legal assistance to those affected in business activities.

“LHRC has participated fully in the process of preparation   of the action plan as part of a team of experts”, she said.

Joyce Deloge, a representative of the United Nations Development Organization (UNDP) commended the government for taking steps to prepare a work plan for human and business rights.