The African Union Commission (AUC) and partners have issued a call for inclusive policies prioritizing migrants' rights within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework. This call was made during a panel discussion titled "Migration under AfCFTA: Towards Human Rights-Compliant Mobility Governance in Africa".

The event was organized by the African Union (AU) - International Labour Organization (ILO) - International Organization for Migration (IOM) Joint Labour Migration Programme (JLMP) and other United Nations agencies as part of the African Business and Human Rights Forum 2023.

“As part of its effort to promote sustainable development rights on the continent, the AU has developed a draft Business and Human Rights Policy to, among other things, promote sustainable development and the implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights,” said Ms. Odette Bolly, the JLMP Coordinator, representing Mr. Sabelo Mbokazi, the Head of Labour, Employment and Migration Division of AUC.

“The establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in 2020 represents a significant milestone on the journey to African integration and development. The AfCFTA stands as a catalyst for new ways of doing business, producing, working, and trading within Africa and the rest of the world, which has implications for human rights,” she added, emphasizing the significance of AfCFTA in reshaping African trade and its implications for human rights, particularly the free movement of persons aspect.

The AfCFTA is a linchpin in Africa's development, offering the potential to reshape intra-African trade, boost economic growth, and enhance human development, including labour migration.

Participants at the event stressed the need to address potential human rights vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers, such as exploitation, discrimination, violence, and limited access to essential services.

"Migrants also stand to gain significantly from this initiative [AfCFTA], as it encourages cross-border labor mobility, leading to increased employment opportunities and better working conditions for migrant workers, fostering economic empowerment and social integration," said Ms. Abibatou Wane, Chief of Mission at IOM Ethiopia.

The promise of AfCFTA extends beyond economic progress; it encapsulates the well-being and dignity of all individuals. “We must work together to make the promise of AfCFTA a reality for everyone, including the migrants,” social entrepreneur Ms Na Ncube added.