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UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR)
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The
Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a unique process which involves a review of
the human rights records of all 192 UN Member States once every four
years. The UPR is a State-driven process, under the auspices of the Human
Rights Council, which provides the opportunity for each State to declare what
actions they have taken to improve the human rights situations in their
countries and to fulfil their human rights obligations. As one of the main
features of the Council, the UPR is designed to ensure equal treatment for
every country when their human rights situations are assessed.
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THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW OF COUNTRIES
IS AN
IMPORTANT MECHANISM/OPPORTUNITY FOR NGO'S TO REVIEW GENDER
COMPONENTS OF INDIVIDUAL COUNTRY UPR
REPORTS ON HUMAN RIGHTS.
THE FINAL REPORTS OF THE UNIVERSAL
PERIODIC REVIEW WORKING GROUP MAY CONTAIN GENDER FOCUSED TEXT THAT CAN BE
VERY
USEFUL IN NGO ADVOCACY.
SHADOW REPORTS PRESENTED DURING THE
UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW CAN BE HIGHLY INFORMATIVE.
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Link to Search by COUNTRY and by
SESSION for UPR Documentation:
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UN UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW OF
COUNTRY HUMAN RIGHTS REPORTS
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS &
NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS
INSTITUTIONS -
INFORMATION REGARDING UPR PARTICIPATION
The Universal Periodic Review - UPR - process ensures the participation of all relevant stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and national human rights institutions (NHRIs). NGOs and NHRIs can submit information which can be added to the “other stakeholders” report which is considered during the review. Information they provide can be referred to by any of the States taking part in the interactive discussion during the review at the Working Group meeting. NGOs can attend the UPR Working Group sessions and can make statements at the regular session of the Human Rights Council when the outcome of the State reviews are considered. OHCHR has released "Technical guidelines for the submission of stakeholders”.
Info note for other relevant stakeholders:
A | E | F | R | S
Technical guidelines for the submission of stakeholders' information
Through the Universal Periodic Review, the Human Rights Council reviews, on a periodic basis, the fulfilment by each of the 192 United Nations Member States of their human rights obligations and commitments.
How does it work?
A review of a State is based on a national report prepared by the State under review; a compilation of United Nations information on the State under review prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR); and a summary of information submitted by other stakeholders (including civil society actors), also prepared by OHCHR.
The review itself takes place in Geneva in a session of the Working Group on the UPR, which is composed of the 47 member States of the Human Rights Council. The review takes the form of an interactive dialogue between the State under review and the member and observer States of the Council. At the end of each review, the Working Group adopts an outcome document, which is subsequently considered and adopted by the Human Rights Council and a later session.
How to participate in a session of the Working Group?
NGOs in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) can be accredited to participate in the session of the Working Group as Observers.
Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31 of July 1996.
Check your NGO in the ECOSOC NGO database.
For information on how your NGO can apply for ECOSOC consultative status.
As Observers, NGOs are able to observe the proceedings without making oral or written statements, though may organize Information Meetings on the UPR process, with a view to sharing information and best practices. The Working Group’s sessions are broadcast live on an OHCHR webcast.
Quick links:
For further information or assistance, please contact the NGO Liaison Team of the Human Rights Council Secretariat at civilsocietyunit@ohchr.org.