UNDP-supported study identifies key challenges and provides solutions for accelerating the implementation of UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in Ukraine

Kyiv, 2 December 2021 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine today presented the first results of a comprehensive study of business and human rights at the Intersectoral Working Group Meeting on Business and Human Rights.

The meeting, which was initiated and coordinated by Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, was attended by representatives of line ministries, the private sector, academia, international agencies, and human rights defenders. Attendees discussed the most urgent human rights issues and challenges related to business. 

At the presentation, Olena Ursu UNDP Programme Specialist, Democratic Governance Team Leader, stressed that the full implementation of UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights requires there to be a strong dialogue and social partnership between the state, the private sector, civil society, business associations, trade unions, academia, human rights defenders and oversight institutions, such as the NHRI and the Verkhovna Rada. 

“UNDP is pleased to facilitate and strengthen this important multi-stakeholder dialogue and partnership,” Ursu said. 

“Only by partnering together will we be able to address business practices that are adverse to human rights, and foster sustainable inclusive and economic development in Ukraine, leveraging the implementation of the Agenda 2030 and leaving no one behind.”

During the meeting, Liudmyla Denisova, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, stressed on the important steps in the  area of business and human rights Ukraine has made in 2021 to enhance business and human rights.  

“This is a final Intersectoral Working Group Meeting this year, and thanks to our partnership and cooperation we achieved a lot,” Denisova said.

«Specifically, for the first time the new National Human Rights Strategy which was adopted in March 2021,  included a chapter on promoting human rights principles in business in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.”

In 2021, UNDP launched comprehensive research to expand on the national baseline assessment of 2019 and to uncover current gaps/barriers for businesses and rights holders. 

According to the research, the most common human-rights-related abuses in business are related to violations of the labour rights of workers, including poor working conditions, a lack of guarantees of occupational health and safety, violations of minimum and living wage legislation, and environmental degradation. 

The study also identifies the groups most vulnerable to violations of labour rights – people with family responsibilities, especially women, older people, people with disabilities, representatives of the LGBTIQ+ community, children, young people (especially those with no work experience) and other social groups. 

Nicolaj Sonderbye, Senior Democracy and Human Rights Advisor at UNDP in Ukraine, stressed the importance of such qualitative baseline studies, which help to identify overall trends, needs, and barriers for duty bearers and rights holders, as well as providing solutions on how to advance the business and human rights agenda in Ukraine and inform evidence-based policies and actions. 

“This study aims to provide relevant stakeholders with insights into the specific steps the country and businesses should take to bring business practices into line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the EU approximation process and future EU standards on e.g. mandatory human rights due diligence and the EU green deal. Adhering to responsible business conduct will contribute to addressing some of the key development challenges in Ukraine and enhance inclusive economic growth and social protection,” Sonderbye said. 

“The findings of the research will help to demonstrate all of the benefits of the full implementation of the UN Guiding Principles, and will accelerate the inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development of Ukraine.”

During the study, 38 interviews were conducted with trade unionists, human rights defenders, and representatives of civil society organizations, state authorities, and local self-governments. The study’s experts also conducted discussions with the regional coordinators of the Ombudsperson Office, focus groups, and performed desk research. 

Background: 

UNDP in Ukraine promotes human rights values in Ukraine, with particular attention to the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. In 2021, under the Human Rights for Ukraine project, UNDP launched a pilot initiative “Business and Human Rights in Ukraine - Accelerating Sustainable and Equitable Development through Implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights” to further identify and quality baselines, gaps and opportunities and to fully understand the current situations of rights holders and duty bearers.

This initiative is a part of the Human Rights for Ukraine project, which is being implemented by the UNDP Ukraine and financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark during 2019 – 2023.

Media enquires:

Yuliia Samus, UNDP in Ukraine Communications Team Leader, yuliia.samus@undp.org