International Human Rights and the International Human Rights System A Manual for National Human Rights Institutions Chapter 6: Universal Periodic Review KEY QUESTIONS • What is the Universal Periodic Review? • How is it conducted? • What roles can NHRIs play in the Universal Periodic Review? 1. INTRODUCTION The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is the most significant development in the transition from the Commission on Human Rights to the Human Rights Council (HRC). In resolving to establish the HRC, the General Assembly (GA) decided that the HRC: ... should undertake a universal periodic review, based on objective and reliable information, of the fulfilment 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.93 During its institution building year, the HRC negotiated and adopted procedures for the conduct of the UPR.94 Between late 2007 and 2011, the HRC reviewed the human rights performance of all the then 192 UN Member States. Towards the end of the first cycle of State reviews, in 2010–11, the HRC reviewed the UPR process itself and, with minor amendments, decided to commence the second cycle in June 2012.95 All 193 current UN Member States will have their human rights compliance reviewed under the UPR between June 2012 and the end of 2016.96 The second and subsequent cycles will be four and a half years in length. The UPR is now well established as a key mechanism of the HRC. The 2007 institution building package laid down the guidelines, principles, basis and procedures for the UPR, including in relation to the full and active participation of NHRIs. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has released an information note for NHRIs on participation in the UPR.97 2. PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES OF THE REVIEW The principles of the UPR are broad and general. They reflect, on the one hand, the commitment to an effective review based on universality of human rights and the equality of all States and, on the other hand, the nervousness of many States about it, for example, in the large number of negative principles. Importantly the principles incorporate inclusive participation, specifically providing for NHRIs and NGOs. 93 GA Resolution 60/251; OP. 5(e). 94 HRC Resolution 5/1; Part I. 95 HRC Resolution 16/21 adopted on 25 March 2011, as supplemented by HRC Resolution 17/119 adopted on 17 June 2011. 96 Since the completion of the first cycle of the UPR, South Sudan has been admitted as the 193rd Member State of the UN and will participate in the second cycle of the UPR. 97 See: www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/UPR/InfoNoteNHRIUPR2ndCycle.pdf. Chapter 6: Universal Periodic Review | 37