Universal Periodic Review (UPR)

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Introduction

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a significant mechanism within the United Nations (UN) that strategically addresses human rights concerns worldwide. Instituted by the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in 2006, the UPR was established to foster international dialogue on human rights, promote self-assessment by states, and create a platform for sharing best practices (UN General Assembly, 2006). Targeting an extensive audience of scholars, policymakers, and academic professionals, this section explores the UPR process, its tripartite documentation system, and its impact within the broader context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Introduction to the Universal Periodic Review

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a significant mechanism within the United Nations (UN) that strategically addresses human rights concerns worldwide. Instituted by the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in 2006, the UPR was established to foster international dialogue on human rights, promote self-assessment by states, and create a platform for sharing best practices (UN General Assembly, 2006). Targeting an extensive audience of scholars, policymakers, and academic professionals, this section explores the UPR process, its tripartite documentation system, and its impact within the broader context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UPR is a unique, state-driven process wherein each UN member state's human rights record is reviewed every five years to identify achievements, gaps, and areas for improvement (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights [OHCHR], 2020). The central aim of the UPR is to foster the protection and promotion of human rights worldwide, ensuring compliance with international standards and reaffirming states' commitment to addressing human rights concerns (UN General Assembly, 2006).

What is the UPR?

The Universal Periodic Review

This allows all countries to report on their progress on human rights issues and encourages them to take constructive action to improve human rights in their respective countries.

The UPR also provides a platform for countries to share best practices and to engage in dialogue on the most pressing human rights issues.

It holds countries accountable for their commitments to improve human rights standards and allows them to engage in constructive dialogue with other nations.

The review process is essential in helping countries build effective systems that protect and promote human rights.

Overview

An objective analysis demonstrates that the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations are distributed across several topics oriented toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to cover a variety of concerns. It is essential to understand that "The UPR is a significant innovation of the Human Rights Council which is based on equal treatment for all countries. It provides an opportunity for all states to declare what actions they have taken to improve the human rights situations in their countries and to overcome challenges to the enjoyment of human rights. The UPR also includes a sharing of best human rights practices around the globe." For the realization of (or culmination of) the UPR, three documents are prepared, i.e. national report, a compilation of UN information (prepared by OHCHR), and stakeholders’ submission report (prepared by OHCHR), before the working group. The working group, which consists of the delegation, utilizes these documents and other information to construct measurable objectives. Human rights topics, such as freedom of expression, can be expressed with different verbs, such as "continue to work on" or "put an end to". The topics mentioned are not a stand or position; the purpose is to foster constructive dialogue, support objective analysis, share best practices, and produce well-informed, feasible recommendations. Figure one is a visual representation of the process; Figure two shows the responsibilities and their allocation; Figure three is a visualization of the tripartite system of documentation.

Figure 1 (left) and Figure 2 (right) are displayed above. Figure 3 is referenced in the text as a separate visualization.

How does the mechanism operate?

The review is based on a three-step process:

(1) The country under review declares what it has done to improve its human rights record.

(2) the other countries participating in the review make recommendations to the country under review; and

(3) stakeholders, non-governmental organizations, and individuals provide information on the actions of the reviewed country.

Tripartite System of Documentation

The UPR process relies on a tripartite system of documentation, comprising a national report, a UN information compilation, and a stakeholder submission report from the OHCHR. Each document holds significance in determining the effectiveness of a country’s human rights practices and contributes to the overall evaluation process (OHCHR, 2020).

National Report

The national report is prepared by the state under review, providing a comprehensive overview of the domestic human rights situation, legislative framework, policies and institutions, and progress made in recent years (OHCHR, 2020). To ensure transparency and constructive dialogue, the state is encouraged to engage with academia, civil society organizations (CSOs), and stakeholder institutions during the report-writing process (Langford, 2013).

UN Information Compilation

The UN information compilation gathers data from existing UN sources, including treaty bodies, special procedures, and UN Country Team submissions (OHCHR, 2020). This compilation provides an independent assessment of the state's human rights record, reflects international perspectives, and offers valuable information to complement the national report (Murray, 2018).

Stakeholder Submission Report

The stakeholder submission report, developed by the OHCHR, compiles submissions from a wide range of stakeholders, including academia, CSOs, and institutions. This report contains critical input from civil society, enhancing transparency, promoting accountability, and ultimately, bolstering the credibility of the UPR process (Langford, 2013).

UPR and Sustainable Development Goals

The UPR has a profound impact on fostering sustainable development by addressing pertinent human rights concerns. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development emphasizes the indivisibility of human rights and sustainable development, recognizing that global progress depends on addressing both simultaneously (United Nations, 2015). The UPR's holistic and inclusive approach enables progress towards SDGs by promoting state self-assessment, facilitating knowledge exchange, and encouraging the commitment to human rights advancement (OHCHR, 2020).