WILPF and the Universal Periodic Review

What is the UPR?
The Universal Periodic Review is a mechanism of the Human Rights Council, based in Geneva, created by the General Assembly resolution 60/251:
"to undertake a universal periodic review, based on objective and reliable information, of the fulfillment by each State of its human rights obligations and commitments in a manner which ensures universality of coverage and equal treatment with respect to all States; the review shall be a cooperative mechanism, based on an interactive dialogue, with the full involvement of the country concerned and with consideration given to its capacity-building needs; such a mechanism shall complement and not duplicate the work of treaty bodies." 

Put simply, it is a meeting where the human rights achievements and shortfalls of a state are examined.  It is universal insofar as  all UN member States are examined, and it is periodic in that it each state is reviewed every four years.  See the Calendar for the full cycle here

How does it work?
Documentation forms the basis for the Review. Three documents form the basis of the review: one prepared by the State under Review (SuR), and two by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).  The SuR’s document should be prepared in broad consultation with “all relevant stakeholders” (i.e. civil society).  The second document is prepared by the OHCHR and comprises information contained in the reports of treaty bodies (for example, CEDAW) and special procedures (such as the special rapporteur on migrants) in addition to observations and comments by the SuR, and other relevant official United Nations documents. The third document is compiled by the OHCHR from information received from relevant stakeholders including, inter alia, NGOs, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), human rights defenders, academic institutions and research institutes, regional organizations, as well as civil society representatives.
States may submit written questions to the SuR in advance of the Review.  Any omissions from the report of the SuR may be queried this way or during the Session.  During this period it is possible to lobby States to ask certain questions, raise certain issues or to make specific recommendations to the SuR during the session.
The Session takes 3 hours and begins with a presentation by the SuR. An interactive dialogue follows during which States ask questions and/or make recommendations to which the SuR responds.  The SuR is not obliged to answer any question, but usually will do so as obvious omissions may look bad.
The outcome is presented in a report that summarises the proceedings, including a list of commitments that the SuR pledges to undertake.  This report may be utilised by civil society to hold governments accountable, as a tool for advocacy and a source of information.  Find outcome reports and other documentation here

How can WILPF sections participate?
Governments should hold consultations with civil society in compiling their reports.  All SuR’s reviewed thus far have emphasised their consultations with civil society in the compilation of their reports as a means of enhancing their report’s credibility.  However, if the UPR first session is any indicator, it is unlikely that States will seek out consultations with smaller NGOs.  It is worth inquiring when your government will hold its consultations and bringing your concerns to them.  Whether the consultations are meaningful or not will depend on the government concerned.  Importantly, WILPF sections may make submissions to the OHCHR Stakeholders report, either as WILPF or in a joint submission with a coalition of NGOs.  Submissions received by the OHCHR will be compiled into a 10 page report, so the closer civil society cooperates in preparing joint submissions, the more likely those issues will not be lost in the OHCHR compilation process.  Moreover, individual submissions may be only five pages long, whereas joint documents may be ten.  Read guidelines for Stakeholder submissions here.

Updated by Ilse Wermink (ilse@wilpf.ch)
30 April, 2008