The role of the business and human rights concept in achieving the goals of «green» energy transition in Ukraine.

Abstract

The article investigates Ukraine’s strategic plans for the country’s future recovery. It was revealed that «green» energy transformation is planned as a key priority of recovery, and that business entities are envisaged to play a special role in this process. Several proposals and recommendations regarding how to implement this approach have been formulated. In particular, it was stated that it is expedient to introduce a provision on the involvement of business entities in the implementation of the European Green Deal in Ukraine. This can be done within the framework of the formation/revision of the energy strategy of Ukraine. Also, it is important to pay special attention to increasing the motivation of businesses to participate in activities aimed at observing human rights in their activities, where the emphasis should be placed on programs to increase the awareness of entrepreneurs regarding the benefits they can receive (for example, a positive impact on reputation, obtaining opportunities to enter foreign markets, etc.), in order to ensure that business entities will not only passively follow the proposed solutions, but also participate in the development of the future interventions. In addition, it is necessary to create and implement human rights impact assessment systems, which will help to determine potential risks to human rights and the consequences of the implementation of the «green» energy transition for stakeholders, including employees, and members of communities who may be affected by the business entities’ activities. Next, involving the widest possible range of stakeholders in this activity was proposed. In particular, not only authorities and entrepreneurs should be targeted, but also civil society, communities that may feel the impact of business, workers, etc., to ensure that their rights and interests are taken into account during the implementation of the green deal, and to develop long-term solutions. Finally, a thesis was formulated regarding the appropriateness of improving the system of providing access to legal remedies so that they are effective in case business activity caused harm, including through complaint review mechanisms and judicial remedies.