Amman Business and Human Rights Dialogue

The Amman Business and Human Rights Dialogue brought together representatives from governments, businesses, civil society, international organisations, and human rights defenders from across the Middle East and North Africa to explore how responsible business conduct can be strengthened in a rapidly changing region. The dialogue provided a rare platform for open exchange on some of the region's most pressing challenges and opportunities, including major infrastructure projects, labour rights, and sustainable economic development.

Rafto contributed to the dialogue by supporting human rights defenders´ presence and contribution to the panels and discussions, and also sharing Rafto´s experience in supporting human rights defenders and advancing Business and Human Rights in complex and restrictive contexts. As moderator of the panel on mega projects and human rights, Ingrid Rosland led a discussion on how large-scale developments—such as World Cup preparations and infrastructure investments—can create lasting positive legacies when human rights are integrated from the outset. 

- Mega-projects have the potential to transform societies—not only through new infrastructure, but through stronger institutions, better governance, and lasting social development. At the same time, they can also increase risks of labour exploitation, displacement, and exclusion if human rights are not considered from the outset. The real question is what remains when the cameras leave. If human rights are built into planning and decision-making from the very beginning, these projects can leave a positive legacy for workers, communities, businesses and society long after the event itself is over, says Head of Rafto's HRD Program Ingrid Breisteinslien Rosland.

The session brought together perspectives from international organisations, regional experts, government representatives and practitioners, and helped lay the groundwork for continued regional cooperation on responsible and inclusive development.