The Universal Periodic Review

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a unique mechanism established by the Human Rights Council aimed at improving the human rights situation in every UN Member State.

The overall human rights record of each UN Member State is reviewed by all other UN Member States through a peer-led process, which takes place approximately every four and a half years.

Youth-led and youth-focused organizations can advocate for an increased attention to the human rights concerns of youth by engaging with the UPR mechanism to bring attention to, and advocate for proposals to address the obstacles young people face in realizing their human rights. This may also include emerging human rights issues, such as climate change, sustainable development, digital dimensions of human rights, including new technologies and artificial intelligence, and many others.

In depth…

The UPR is a periodic and cyclical mechanism, based on principles of universality of coverage and equality of treatment. It has a universal thematic coverage as the only UN human rights mechanism that covers all human rights issues. It also has universal geographic coverage; every UN Member State takes part in the UPR process and has been reviewed under the UPR, with 100% participation in the first three cycles.

The ultimate objective of the UPR is the improvement of the human rights situation in every country, with impact on the lives of people. Participation in the UPR is possible for relevant stakeholders, including civil society, National Human Rights Institutions, regional mechanisms, UN entities. Civil society actors are strongly encouraged to engage in all different phases of the UPR cycle.

Where can I learn more?

For more information on the Universal Periodic Review, visit:

• Website of the Universal Periodic Review
• UPR Basic Facts