The Senegalese Minister of Justice, Garde des Sceaux, has reaffirmed the country's commitment to protecting human rights and the environment in economic activities, particularly in the extractive sectors. This commitment was made during the opening of the fifth edition of the Africa BHR Forum 2026, held in Dakar. The forum, themed "Achieving the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment through responsible business conduct," brings together representatives from governments, international organizations, the private sector, civil society, and affected communities.
The Minister of Justice emphasized that the challenge is no longer to recognize the right to a healthy environment but to make it effective, especially in the face of corporate activities. He recalled that the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, adopted in 1981, recognizes this right in Article 24. In 2022, the United Nations General Assembly also enshrined the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a human right. According to the Minister, over 45 African countries have incorporated this right into their legal frameworks, and the Senegalese Constitution guarantees it.
Senegal has been developing its National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights since 2023, following an inclusive approach that involves public institutions, businesses, unions, civil society organizations, local communities, and experts. This plan responds to recommendations from the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review, which call for strengthening the governance of sensitive economic sectors, particularly extractive industries. The plan was technically validated in September 2025, and its political validation is expected in the next stage.
The National Action Plan aligns with Senegal's Vision 2050 and the National Transformation Agenda, which prioritize human well-being in public policies. The Minister stressed the importance of responsible exploitation of natural resources, particularly oil and gas, highlighting that the Constitution stipulates that natural resources belong to the people. The goal is to ensure that these resources benefit current Senegalese generations without compromising the rights of future generations.
The Minister also emphasized the three pillars of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, adopted in 2011: the state's duty to protect human rights, businesses' responsibility to respect them, and the need to ensure effective access to remedies for victims. He highlighted the importance of access to justice, particularly for affected communities, and announced measures to facilitate access to justice, including strengthening the training of judges and justice officials in environmental law and business and human rights.
The Africa BHR Forum 2026, organized with the UN Global Compact, the African Union, and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), provides a platform for discussions on implementing the UN Guiding Principles and strengthening African cooperation on economic governance and human rights protection. Senegal aims to share its experience with other countries on the continent and continue its efforts to ensure that businesses operating in Africa respect human dignity and the environment.
The Senegalese government's commitment to protecting human rights and the environment in economic activities reflects its broader development goals, as outlined in Vision Senegal 2050 and the National Transformation Agenda. By prioritizing responsible business conduct and access to justice, Senegal aims to promote sustainable development and ensure that economic growth benefits its citizens while protecting the environment for future generations.
Key points
- Senegal has developed a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights to strengthen governance in sensitive economic sectors.
- The plan aims to ensure responsible business conduct and protect human rights, particularly in extractive industries.
- The government has emphasized access to justice for affected communities and the importance of responsible exploitation of natural resources.
