Vision and Mission
UPR Info is an international non-profit and non-governmental organisation based in Geneva, Switzerland. It was established in 2008 and has Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
UPR Info takes its name from the process established on 15 March 2006 by the UN General Assembly resolution 60/251: The Universal Periodic Review (UPR). This unique mechanism consists of a review, carried out by the Human Rights Council (HRC), of the human rights records of all UN Member States.
UPR Info was founded in response to the creation of the UPR to provide information on the mechanism and foster transparency by providing free access to UPR recommendations through our organisation’s database.
Originally, UPR Info focused its work on supporting Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). In 2012, it developed an advocacy platform, the Pre-sessions, to reinforce the voice of CSOs during the UPR interactive dialogue. The Pre-sessions are now recognised as one of the most important human rights advocacy platforms at the international level.
At the end of 2017, UPR Info initiated a change in its approach. It moved from a stage of raising awareness of the mechanism to strengthening the capacity of a wider range of UPR stakeholders.
In 2019 UPR Info's work was awarded the Democracy and Human Rights Prize by the Parliament of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. In the same year, UPR Info joined the Gender Champion, institutionalising its engagement to mainstream gender equality into programming.
Furthermore, UPR Info upgraded its website and database and developed an e-learning platform to facilitate access to information and expand outreach. The organisation strives to promote multilingualism by providing information and training in French, English, and Spanish.
With the fourth cycle in 2022, UPR Info is focusing on enhancing the implementation of UPR recommendations through greater partnerships with key relevant organisations. This includes addressing specific thematic issues, amplifying the voices of actors often not heard, and encouraging more engagement of local and regional governments, the judiciary and development actors, recognising their crucial role in implementing UPR recommendations and bringing them closer to the citizens.
UPR Info is also engaging more at the policy level by participating in discussions on the efficiency of the Human Rights Council (HRC) and its mechanisms, sharing best practices on engagement in the UPR process through side events and participating in high-level panel discussions.
Our vision
An inclusive society promoting universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without discrimination.
Guiding Principles
Inclusiveness
UPR Info promotes an inclusive UPR process that actively engages and involves all segments of society, in particular marginalized groups, and persons in vulnerable situations.
Due Diligence
UPR Info strives to identify, prevent, and mitigate any potential adverse impact associated with its activities.
Universality
UPR Info considers it essential to treat all human rights issues in all UN Member States on an equal footing.
Ownership
UPR Info promotes and empowers stakeholders to take ownership of relevant UPR recommendations as well as required follow-up activities.
Transparency/Accountability
UPR Info promotes transparency by providing information on the UPR thus fostering greater accountability among its stakeholders.
Partnership
UPR Info engages with all stakeholders involved in the mechanism throughout the UPR process. We promote a collaborative approach involving the three branches of the State—the Executive, including local and regional governments; the Parliament; and the Judiciary—as well as national independent human rights institutions, civil society, and UN agencies with relevant thematic expertise.