LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT AND HUMAN RIGHTS: FINANCIAL AND LEGAL MECHANISMS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The decentralisation of public administration in Ukraine is a fundamental component of the country's administrative and municipal reforms. The primary objective of the programme is to strengthen local self-government and enhance the economic sustainability of local authorities. Nevertheless, the ongoing war and persistent financial constraints have placed considerable strain on the capacity of these bodies to operate effectively. In order to ensure the resilience and functionality of local self-government, it is essential to advance fiscal decentralisation, improve the legal and regulatory framework, and adopt human rights-based approaches in local self-government. The present study explores the financial and legal mechanisms that underpin sustainable local self-government, with particular emphasis on budgetary autonomy, public financial management, and the role of international co-operation and assistance. This research employs a dual-pronged approach, integrating legal and economic analysis to scrutinise Ukrainian legislation and identify optimal practices. The focus of this text is twofold: firstly, to examine the role of local self-government bodies in upholding human rights; and secondly, to explore how these bodies manage financial limitations and implement sustainable development strategies in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The findings indicate that, despite the evident increase in autonomy granted to subnational authorities by decentralisation, ongoing financial reliance on external sources and the repercussions of martial law continue to pose considerable challenges. The study emphasises the significance of effective financial administration, transparent budgeting policies, and the implementation of innovative financial instruments as pivotal factors in consolidating local self-government in Ukraine. The report offers practical recommendations for policymakers and local self-government bodies, including the diversification of financial resources, enhanced transparency, and strengthened institutional capacity. The research also emphasises the importance of international partnerships and the promotion of local and regional economic development as fundamental conditions for the establishment of sustainable self-government. These conclusions contribute to broader debates on decentralisation, public administration and sustainable development, and provide concrete proposals for Ukraine's post-war recovery and long-term resilience.