The role of the international control and Rights-based approach to human rights in contractual relations among the EU and Ukraine

Abstract

The article is exploring issues related to the protection of fundamental freedoms and human rights as values on which the European Union (hereinafter referred to as the EU) is built.
 It is established that securing the values on which the EU is built is part of the rights-based approach as well as a prerequisite for the further development of EU interstate relations with other countries, including Ukraine.
 It is noted that the application of the rights-based approach means that the EU and the EU Member States will deepen cooperation only with those countries which profess respect for democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms in their foreign and domestic policies.
 It is established that the rights-based approach encapsulates the principles and standards of human rights protection both as means and as a goal of cooperation for development.
 It is noted that by signing on March 21, 2014, the political part, and on June 27, 2014, the economic part of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union, the success of political association and economic integration with the EU will depend on progress in the implementation of this Agreement, as well as on achievements made by Ukraine in ensuring respect for the EU’s common values and their proper implementation. The preamble to the Agreement emphasizes importance of "respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms" among the list of its main values.
 In order to follow the provisions of the Association Agreement, Ukraine has declared mutual respect for the common values of the EU, in particular those related to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and has undertaken to integrate them properly in its foreign and domestic policies. The legal acts of Ukraine adopted for this purpose are analyzed.
 It is noted that despite the formal consolidation of human rights policy in Ukraine, its effective implementation in practice, in particular through consolidation of efforts with the EU, becomes particularly important.
 Key indicators taken into account by the EU in assessing Ukrainian progress in ensuring fundamental freedoms and human rights are analyzed as well.
 The overall conclusion is made that by signing the Association Agreement, Ukraine has declared mutual respect for the common values of the EU, in particular those related to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and pledged to integrate them properly in its foreign and domestic policies. However, without strong democratic traditions, a stable legal system and a real understanding of importance of these values for state building, human rights and fundamental freedoms may be secured properly when and only when not just individual laws but the entire political system of the state is formed around their observance.