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The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is widely considered the Human Rights Council's most innovative and powerful mechanism.

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It is a unique, state-driven process that aims to improve the human rights situation on the ground in every country.

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🔄 The Universal and Equal Review Process

 

The core concept of the UPR is universal coverage and equal treatment.

  • Universal: Every single one of the 193 UN Member States is reviewed. This removes the political selectivity that plagued the Council's predecessor body.

  • Periodic: Each state's human rights record is reviewed approximately every 4.5 years (cycles currently last five years), ensuring regular scrutiny and follow-up.

 

📝 Key Steps of the Review

 

The review is an interactive dialogue conducted by the UPR Working Group (made up of the 47 HRC Member States, but open to participation from all 193 UN Member States). It is based on three main documents:

  1. National Report: A self-assessment prepared by the State under Review (the country whose record is being examined), detailing its own actions and challenges.

  2. UN Information Compilation: A summary of information from UN human rights treaty bodies (like the Committee against Torture) and other UN agencies.

  3. Stakeholder Summary: A compilation of reports submitted by Civil Society Organizations (NGOs), National Human Rights Institutions, and other non-governmental groups.

During the review session, the State under Review presents its report, and other UN Member States take turns asking questions and making recommendations.

 

✅ Outcome and Follow-up (The Example)

 

The most important part of the UPR is the outcome report and the resulting implementation phase.

  • Recommendations: The State under Review receives a final list of recommendations from its peers. The State must then formally announce whether it supports (accepts) or notes (rejects) each recommendation.

  • Accountability: By accepting a recommendation (e.g., "Ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities" or "Amend the law on child marriage"), the state creates a public, international commitment to act. The state is then expected to report on its progress towards implementing the accepted recommendations during its next review cycle.

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