Kyiv, 15 March 2022. — How can business improve human rights due diligence? This issue was discussed today during a round table on “Consumer Protection under Martial Law” dedicated to World Consumers Rights Day. The event, organised by the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and the Government of Japan, was attended by representatives of state institutions, civil society, international organizations and subject matter experts. 

During the round table, the participants discussed the most significant consumer protection challenges and human rights impacts of business. Olena Mytnyk, UNDP Business and Human Rights Specialist, emphasized that, in the context of war, respect for human rights by business is extremely important for sustainable and rapid economic recovery.

“We are currently laying the foundations and setting the values for Ukraine’s recovery. The war should not prevent the country from sustainable and fair development, and respect for human rights is an integral part of implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, she said. “Respect for human rights by business is a key factor for the country’s recovery and economic stability.”

The UNDP Human Rights Due Diligence Training Facilitation Guide, translated into Ukrainian with the financial support from the Government of Japan, was presented during the round table. The Training Facilitation Guide provides training modules which clarify what is required to conduct human rights due diligence based on the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and a step-by-step approach to conducting human rights due diligence: from identifying and assessing potential human rights impacts and risks to communicating the actions taken.

Using the Training Facilitation Guide, companies will be able to better assess impacts and risks in their value chains, and act responsibly to prevent, mitigate and account for human rights abuses that they may be involved in through their own activities and business relationships.

Background information:

The round table on “Consumer Protection under Martial Law” was initiated and held by the Office of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights with support from the UNDP global project “Human Rights Due Diligence in Global Supply Chains: Leveraging the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights for a Just Recovery” funded by the Government of Japan.