The call for applications for Pre-sessions 53 is now open!

Representatives from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) are invited to apply to speak at the next Pre-sessions that will take place from 25 to 28 August 2026. 

The Pre-sessions are an opportunity for these stakeholders to provide recommending States with first-hand information on the human rights situation in the countries that will be reviewed at the UPR Working Group in November 2026. 

The application process closes at 23h59 on 10 May 2026. 

Please see the concept note for more information on how to apply.

Selection criteria for Pre-session speakers

The speakers are selected according to an objective set of criteria, where priority is given on the following bases:

• Grassroots and national CSOs because they ensure a bottom-up approach to advocacy, placing local voices at the forefront of international human rights dialogue;

• National coalitions CSOs working in coalitions benefit from the collective knowledge of each of its members, as they often represent a large spectrum of human rights, and their engagement tends to be more sustainable;

• Organisations that have submitted a report to the UPR. CSOs have the opportunity to submit reports to the OHCHR approximately seven months before the review date. In preparing the report for the UPR, CSOs develop specific expertise on human rights issues in the country. On the other hand, CSOs that are already engaged in the UPR are more likely to remain involved in the mechanism in a long-term perspective.

• Organisations representing as many different human rights themes as possible. The issues on which CSOs wish to speak should be diverse enough to reflect the different aspirations of the population;

The final panel composition should ensure a gender perspective and, when possible, gender parity among speakers.

For other questions, please refer to the Pre-sessions Frequently Asked Questions.