Research and Development in Public Law

Research and Development in Public Law

Just Transition in International Labour Law and Iranian Legal System

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Associate Professor, Department of Public Law and Economic Law, Faculty of Law, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
2 Master's student in Energy Law, Faculty of Law, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
The concept of just transition has emerged as a key principle in international labour law to address the socio-economic impacts of climate change and the shift towards a low-carbon economy. With growing recognition in legal literature, just transition seeks to balance environmental sustainability with the protection of workers' rights, while minimizing inequalities during the energy transition. This article explores the definition and background of just transition, followed by an analysis of international frameworks, particularly the ILO Guidelines for a Just Transition (2015) and the Paris Agreement (2015). These documents promote principles such as social protection, gender equality, and social dialogue for workers affected by climate change. The article further assesses the legal standing of just transition within the Iranian legal system. While regulations like the Labour Code, Unemployment Insurance Law, and National Decent Work Agenda offer some capacities for social protection and employment, the absence of targeted laws for transitioning industries—similar to those in countries like Germany and Canada—poses a challenge. Given the global push for energy transition and the reliance of Iran's economy on fossil fuels, integrating just transition into the country's legal framework is essential and inevitable.
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