Integrating Human Rights Into Energy and Extractive Sector Transitions

In their article published in the Business and Human Rights Journal, Damilola S. Olawuyi, Claire Bright, Samentha Goethals, and Qaraman Hasan critically assess current just transition narratives in the energy and extractive sectors. They argue that while these transitions aim to address climate and economic goals, they often fall short in protecting the human rights of workers, Indigenous communities, and other vulnerable groups affected by decarbonization and resource shifts.

To bridge this gap, the authors propose a rights-based framework that places human rights due diligence, meaningful stakeholder engagement, and transparency at the center of transition strategies. They call on companies to proactively identify and mitigate risks across their operations and supply chains, ensuring that energy transition efforts do not reinforce historical patterns of marginalization or environmental harm. By doing so, businesses can align with international norms and build trust with impacted communities.

Olawuyi, Bright, Goethals, and Hasan conclude by emphasizing the need for collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society to ensure that just transitions are truly inclusive and equitable. They advocate for integrating human rights standards into both corporate and regulatory practices to support sustainable development that respects the dignity and rights of all stakeholders involved in the shift to a low-carbon future.