Four Years After the Ukraine Invasion: What Is the Business and Human Rights Landscape in the Russia Context?
This two-day forum was jointly developed by Araminta and Rights CoLab to strengthen knowledge, research, and collaboration on Business and Human Rights (BHR) issues connected to Russia and the wider former Soviet region.
Through a combination of training, research support, and expert exchange, the project brought together human rights defenders, researchers, legal practitioners, and civil society organisations working on corporate accountability, supply chains, Indigenous rights, digital governance, and responsible business conduct. The programme culminated in a workshop held in Prague in February 2026, where participants reflected on key findings and future priorities for the field.
Organisers/Partners
Araminta works with companies, investors, civil society organisations, and international institutions to strengthen corporate accountability and improve human rights outcomes through practical, evidence-based approaches.
Rights CoLab is a global network of human rights experts, advocates, and researchers working to strengthen civil society and promote responsible business and investment practices. Through partnerships with civil society organisations, investors, and businesses, Rights CoLab advances innovative approaches to human rights, corporate accountability, and environmental and human rights due diligence across regions facing growing inequality and authoritarianism.
Contributors and Participants
The project benefited from the contributions of researchers, practitioners, and experts working across the fields of business and human rights, corporate accountability, digital rights, Indigenous rights, and supply chain governance.
Contributors included:
- Viliuia Choinova
- Denis Smirnov
- Maksim Khalimovskii
- Vitaly Servetnik
- Anna Sobko
- Elena Lipatova
- Joseph Wilde-Ramsing (SOMO)
- Dr. Anil Yilmaz Vastardis (University of Essex)
- Anastasiya Zhyrmont (Access Now)
- Karolina Iwańska (European Center for Not-for-Profit Law)
- Jason Pielemeier (Global Network Initiative)
- Elin Wrzoncki (Danish Institute for Human Rights)
- Daniel Schönfelder (Blue Marble Legal)
- Thomas Abrams (Principles for Responsible Investment)
- Joanne Bauer (Rights CoLab)
- Shauna Curphey (Just Ground)
We are grateful to all participants and contributors whose expertise helped shape the discussions and outcomes of the project.
Key Reflections
The project highlighted the continuing importance of examining business-related human rights impacts connected to Russia and the wider region. Participants explored challenges related to corporate accountability, access to remedy, responsible business conduct, digital rights, Indigenous communities, and global supply chains.
A recurring theme throughout the discussions was the need to strengthen local capacity, support collaboration across borders, and ensure that emerging accountability mechanisms remain accessible to affected communities and civil society actors.
Looking Ahead
The initiative created new connections between researchers, practitioners, and advocates while generating valuable insights for future work. Participants identified opportunities for further collaboration, continued research, and stronger engagement with stakeholders across regions affected by business activities linked to Russia.
Read the Full Report
If you would like to explore the workshop outcomes and research findings in more detail, please read the full report: