The Role of Civil Society in the Protection of Human Rights in the Context of Ukraine's European Integration

Abstract

The article argues the importance of civil society in the protection of human rights in the light of compliance with the provisions of the Association Agreement. The author takes into account the main directions and areas defined by the Joint Declaration of the EU-Ukraine Civil Society Platform, where it is advisable to take measures to improve legal regulation and harmonisation with European standards.

The study used a set of methods: general scientific (analysis, synthesis), dialectical and comparative, which made it possible to analyse national legislation and compare it with the norms of European law. This made it possible to develop proposals for supplementing domestic legislation with provisions that would contribute to a more comprehensive regulation of the mechanism of human rights protection with the participation of civil society and harmonisation with European law.

The study found that the main areas in which the role of civil society in the protection of human rights in Ukraine should be emphasised are: 1) employment, social policy, equal opportunities and the state of social dialogue; 2) healthcare; 3) education, science and innovation.

The priority areas of innovations in the area of employment and social policy are strengthening cooperation with the diaspora, adaptation of Ukrainian legislation in the area of the gender pay gap to EU law, introducing the employer's obligation to inform a candidate of a vacancy about the initial level of wages; ensuring and monitoring the fulfilment of labour and social conditions in tenders for construction and reconstruction of Ukraine's infrastructure; recognition of the role of trade unions as entities entitled to collective bargaining on behalf of the employer and the employees.

It is substantiated that in the healthcare sector, the role of non-governmental organisations working to improve access to quality healthcare services for citizens living in remote settlements or close to areas of hostilities is particularly important. Charitable foundations contribute to the relative elimination of inequalities in access to medical care for different groups of the population.

It is argued that in the field of education, science and innovation, it is advisable to develop digital, 'green' competencies and entrepreneurial skills in the current context. It is important to take into account the European Green Deal when developing educational programmes.

Taking into account the results of the study, the author concludes that it is advisable to supplement the Labour Code of Ukraine and the Law of Ukraine 'On Remuneration of Labour' with provisions that would be close to the provisions of the European Directive on Remuneration Transparency. These norms relate to the consideration of eliminating the gender pay gap, as well as the obligation of the employer to inform candidates for a vacancy about the initial level of salary. The author also argues that it is necessary to recognise the role of trade unions as entities entitled to collective bargaining on behalf of employees. The author substantiates the expediency of developing 'green' competencies within the framework of Ukraine's accession to the European Green Deal. The author proves the timeliness and necessity of harmonisation of the National Qualifications System with the European Standardised Classification System.