The Status of the Implementation of the UNGPs on Business and Human Rights in Europe and Central Asia, 23 March 2023

The progress in implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) is uneven in Europe and Central Asia and challenged by ongoing socioeconomic, humanitarian, and conflict-related crises. The Scoping Study commissioned by UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub assesses and documents the status of the implementation of UNGPs in the 18 countries and territories of Europe and Central Asia during 2021-2022. 

The study contextualizes Business and Human Rights in the region according to the structure of the UNGPs. As such, it first discusses the obligations of United Nations Member States to protect human rights under Pillar I of the UNGPs. After that, it describes the challenges and good practices of some regional corporations, according to Pillar II. Under Pillar III, the study examines access to remedy frameworks and how rights-holders can enforce accountability for business-related human rights abuses. Next, the study discusses cross-cutting regional trends before moving to conclusions and reflections. Finally, it sets out recommendations on how to advance the region's Business and Human Rights agenda. The last chapter of the study reviews the regional trends in business conduct due to the war in Ukraine, including the demand for heightened human rights due diligence in conflict contexts.