Mr Nyikaw Ochalla
(he/him)

Research student

My Research interest in corporate human rights violations developed out of my long experience and advocacy on state orchestrated human rights violations and adverse corporate human rights impacts on indigenous peoples in Africa after which I embarked on LLM Human Rights study programme and graduated in 2023 with research focus on corporate human rights violations against indigenous peoples in remote parts of the world.

Prior to joining LLM programme, I obtained MA degree in Diplomacy with dissertation focusing on the rights to self-determination of indigenous peoples in Gambela state, Ethiopia, which gave me further tools and methods to advocate for marginalised and disadvantaged groups affected by governments policies as well as corporate activities.

I hold BA degree in Management and Public Administration, which is an asset in my Project on corporate human rights abuses against indigenous peoples.

During my academic journey and work experience, I participated at various regional and international seminars, conferences and workshops on human rights issues.

The thesis, 'Domestic Judicial Avenues for Upholding the Indigenous Peoples' Rights: An African Perspective on Corporate Accountability', which builds on my pervious work and experience enhance the debate on the corporate impacts against marginalised and disadvantaged groups, in particular the role of domestic courts in enforcing international recognised human rights standards that protect indigenous peoples.

Thesis

Domestic Judicial Avenues for Upholding the Indigenous Peoples' Rights: An African Perspective on Corporate Accountability

Corporate human rights abuses have long been in existence-Slavery and slave trade, Apartheid in South Africa, and forced labour during the World War II. Despite their serious impacts on human life and the natural environment, international actors have developed insufficient regulatory standards to control corporate mis-conduct. Nonetheless, with the advancement of globalisation and economic power and influence of corporations, traditional state-centric exclusive view that excluded corporations from international human rights accountability, has shifted. However, the implementation and enforcement of such international legal frameworks have remained weak and ineffective at both domestic and international level.

In developing countries, despite positive developments in regulatory frameworks to address corporate human rights concerns, indigenous peoples still experience challenges in advancing their rights against corporate abuses. This research is aimed at investigating the role of domestic courts in East Africa in upholding the rights of indigenous peoples against corporate human rights violations.