Download the ACCA statement here...

ACCA commends the Working Group on its choice of Access to Remedy as the theme for this year’s forum; especially considering that Access to Remedy was also the theme for this year’s ACCA General Assembly which took place in Pretoria, South Africa, from 14-16 November 2017, and is one of ACCA's thematic focus areas... ACCA acknowledges and commends the UN Working Group’s efforts to ensure greater diversity in this year’s forum... ACCA urges African states to ensure that self-determination is guaranteed to all communities by respecting norms, cultural practices, customs and traditions of different communities whose rights are adversely affected by the activities of corporations. ACCA calls on African governments to ensure timely, adequate and fair compensation during evictions and resettlement in accordance with international best practice. ACCA strongly promotes principles of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC). Lastly, ACCA urges African states to guarantee access to information for its citizens by ensuring that relevant information reaches local communities on time, and in an appropriate format and language. Confidentiality clauses in investment contracts should not trump human rights.