Lex-BHRELaw for Business, Human Rights & the Environment in Africa
Making law work to end corporate harm and empower African communities in Africa-Europe supply chains
About Lex-BHRE
Lex-BHRE (Law for Business, Human Rights and the Environment) is a legal and policy center working to advance justice for African communities impacted by corporate harm in Africa–Europe supply chains.
We are committed to ensuring that the law works to effectively protect African communities embedded within Africa–Europe supply chains. Through interdisciplinary research, expert policy advisory, targeted training programs, and cross-regional knowledge exchange, we work to strengthen corporate accountability and drive systemic legal and policy reforms that centre the rights and realities of affected African communities.
Our Mission
Lex-BHRE is the first organization of its kind dedicated to ensuring that existing and emergent legal norms protect African communities embedded within Africa–Europe supply chains. Through interdisciplinary research, expert policy advisory, targeted training programs and cross-regional knowledge exchange, we seek to turn environmental and human-rights norms into informed, responsible action that strengthens accountability and promotes community-centered systemic reform.
Our Vision
Lex-BHRE envisions a world where the law works to uphold the rights and dignity of communities impacted by corporate conduct in Africa–Europe supply chains.
Our Experts
Meet our distinguished team of legal experts dedicated to advancing justice and sustainability in Africa-Europe supply chains.
Dr Rosemary Mwanza
Environmental Law & Human Rights Specialist
Dr Rosemary Mwanza specialises in environmental law, human rights, and corporate accountability, with over a decade of experience in teaching, research, and policy work. Her expertise lies in strengthening and operationalising emerging environmental law norms to address corporate environmental harm, with a particular focus on the right to a healthy environment, ecocide, and corporate environmental due diligence standards.
She holds a Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) from the University of Eastern Finland and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Southern California. Her work is published in leading academic journals, such as the American Journal of International Law, the Journal of Environmental Law, and the Journal of Human Rights and the Environment. Her commitment to excellence in research has been recognised through various awards, including the 2023 Young Researchers Award for Outstanding Doctoral Thesis and the Primus Doctor title for the University of Eastern Finland in 2024.
Dr Mwanza brings a global perspective to her work, having taught law at universities in Kenya, Finland, and Sweden.
EDUCATION
- LL.D., University of Eastern Finland
- LL.M., University of Southern California
Dr Felix Dube
Senior Lecturer in Public Law
Dr Felix Dube is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Public Law at the University of Pretoria, where he coordinates and lectures undergraduate and postgraduate programmes on environmental law and administrative law. Dr Dube is also the interim director of the Centre for Environmental Justice in Africa and is a member of the South African Human Rights Commission's Committee on Climate Justice.
Prior to joining the University of Pretoria, Dr Dube lectured at North-West University and coordinated research projects on urban sustainability at the South African Research Chair in Cities, Law and Environmental Sustainability. Dr Dube has published several papers in environmental law and constitutional hermeneutics.
His publications address, among other environmental considerations, energy sovereignty, ubuntu and rights-based approaches to sustainable development and environmental governance.
EDUCATION
- Ph.D. in Law
- LL.M. in Environmental Law
- LL.B.
Our Services
Research and Knowledge Exchange
Through high-quality legal research and analysis, Lex-BHRE contributes to the development of evidence-based solutions for corporate environmental accountability. The organisation also disseminates knowledge through publications, policy briefs, and academic collaborations to bridge gaps between research, law, and practice.
Legal Training and Capacity Building
Lex-BHRE offers tailored training programmes and workshops for businesses, civil society organisations, policymakers, and affected communities. These sessions focus on corporate environmental due diligence, legal accountability mechanisms, and strategies for preventing and remedying environmental harm.
Policy and Legal Consultation
The organisation provides expert legal and policy advice to governments, regulatory bodies, businesses, and advocacy groups on strengthening legal frameworks for corporate environmental accountability. This includes support in legislative drafting, policy design, and implementation strategies.
Stakeholder Dialogue and Engagement
Lex-BHRE facilitates multi-stakeholder dialogues to foster collaboration between businesses, policymakers, civil society, and affected communities. These platforms promote shared understanding and joint problem-solving on environmental governance challenges.
Knowledge Hub
Access our comprehensive collection of research, media insights, and educational resources designed to bridge the gap between law, policy, and corporate accountability.
Research & Publications
Explore in-depth legal research, reports, and policy briefs focused on corporate environmental accountability and business-related human rights issues.
Media & Press
Stay informed with the latest news, media appearances, and press releases highlighting Lex-BHRE contributions to corporate environmental governance.
Lectures & Presentations
Access educational talks, panel discussions, and expert presentations covering environmental law, corporate accountability, and sustainable business practices.