Issues: UN Universal Periodic Review
UN Universal Periodic Review
What is the Universal Periodic Review?
The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) was established by the UN General Assembly in 2006 as a process through which the human rights record of every UN Member State (i.e. country) is peer-reviewed.
This review, conducted through the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), is based upon each country’s human rights obligations and commitments expressed in the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, human rights instruments to which the country is party, and other sources. During the process, the country under review receives recommendations to improve its human rights record from other UN Member States. The country under review is able to accept or note these recommendations, and those accepted form the basis for future reporting.
The United States is a strong supporter of the UPR process, which provides a unique mechanism for the global community to discuss human rights issues around the world.
U.S. UPR Recommendations
UPR Working Group Information
- Calendar for UPR Working Group Civil Society Consultations - 2016 - updated 4/15/16
- U.S. UPR Working Groups Agency Contact List - as a PDF
Opening Statement: 2nd Periodic Review
-
"We believe that every nation benefits from having a mirror held before it. Every nation has challenges, and can reach greater heights by participating seriously in the UPR. This process provides us the vital opportunity to self-assess, to listen to others, and to more effectively address the concerns of individuals in our country."
- Ambassador Harper at the Second UPR of the United States, May 11, 2015