Ukraine’s representative has been elected for the first time to the European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR) at the 1461st meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. This marks a significant step towards Ukraine’s integration into the European Union and its commitment to upholding fundamental human rights.
Ukrainian academic, Alla Fedorova, who holds a PhD in Law and is an Associate Professor of the Department of Comparative and European Law of the Educational and Research Institute of International Relations, has been appointed as Ukraine’s representative to the ECSR. Her election was proposed by the Ministry of Social Policy in accordance with Article 25 of the ESC (1961) and Article 3 of the Protocol amending the ESC of 1991.
The European Social Charter
The European Social Charter is a treaty that was adopted by the Council of Europe in 1961, and it guarantees fundamental social and economic human rights, such as the rights to work, housing, health care, education, social protection and social security. Ukraine is a party to the European Social Charter, which was ratified by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine by Law No. 137-V of September 14, 2006. The election of a representative of Ukraine to the ECSR will help to improve national legislation and practice in line with European standards.
The Importance of Ukraine’s Representation on the ECSR
The appointment of a representative from Ukraine to the ECSR is a positive step towards improving Ukraine’s human rights record and aligning national legislation with European standards. The Ministry of Social Policy is responsible for the preparation of national reports and cooperation with the Governmental Committee of the European Social Charter of the Council of Europe. Ukraine’s membership of the ECSR will provide an opportunity to enhance the country’s participation in the work of the Council of Europe, and to strengthen its cooperation with other member states.
