Volume: Volume 16 - 2012

Article type: Refereed article

Author/s: Mubangizi, John C

This article explores the implications of globalisation in Africa, in the specific context of human rights, trade and investment. It begins by discussing the meaning of, and the relationship between, human rights and globalisation. The article also explores the relationship between globalisation, trade and investment on one hand and human rights, trade and investment on the other.

This article explores the implications of globalisation in Africa, in the specific context of human rights, trade and investment. It begins by discussing the meaning of, and the relationship between, human rights and globalisation. The article also explores the relationship between globalisation, trade and investment on one hand and human rights, trade and investment on the other. A discussion on the implications of globalisation and human rights on trade and investment in Africa would be incomplete if it didn't take into account Africa's unique challenges such as poverty, disease, unemployment, conflict, corruption and poor governance. The paper highlights these challenges before making suggestions on a suitable balance between globalisation, human rights and trade and investment. Fundamental to this balance is a human rights-based approach. This approach entails embracing a culture of human rights, and placing it at the centre of all trade and investment processes and outcomes. It requires, for example, that any trade or investment treaty that conflicts with human rights norms should be considered null and void. The article posits that adopting a human rights-based approach towards trade and investment can go a long way towards mitigating the adverse effects of globalisation in Africa, and the resultant implications for trade and investment. It is then concluded that if the balance between human rights and trade and investment is right, human rights can be good for trade and investment, and vice-versa.

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