Business and Human Rights in Central and Eastern Europe : Trends, Challenges and Prospects

Summary

This Special Issue denotes the first comprehensive attempt to place business and human rights-related (BHR) developments in the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region on the map of global discussions in BHR. CEE is a geographical area historically, politically, socio-economically, geo-strategically and culturally distinct from other regions, including Western Europe. Hence, this Special Issue explores the region's specific elements and factors and how they affect and influence the implementation and embedding of human rights in the practice of business enterprises in the region. The 'Scholarly Articles' and 'Developments in the Field' pieces collected in this issue highlight promising and not-so-promising developments and practices of state institutions, business enterprises, and other actors. It documents the current situation in the region and outlines ideas and prospects for addressing the identified challenges over the next decade. Introducing the Special Issue, this editorial outlines the region's leading trends and prospects in BHR. It reflects on persisting challenges and notes the region's progress in BHR awareness, knowledge and capacity in recent decades.