How the UPR Voluntary Fund is Making a Difference
The latest report from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on the operations of the Voluntary Fund for Financial and Technical Assistance in implementing the UPR was presented during the 56th Human Rights Council session.
This report highlights the transformative impact that UPR recommendations can have, showcasing the improvements achieved through OHCHR’s technical assistance in countries such as Eswatini, Gambia, and Tajikistan.
By strengthening national institutions, legal frameworks, policies, services, and stakeholder capacities, the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process fosters enduring positive impacts on the implementation of international human rights obligations. The UPR recommendations represent an opportunity to connect international and national actors, collectively achieving meaningful changes on the ground.
Eswatini: Enhancing Women’s Political Participation
Following the UPR in 2021, where nearly 30% of the recommendations focused on gender equality, Eswatini has seen remarkable progress in women’s political participation.Recent elections showed a substantial increase in the number of women candidates, with 13 women securing seats in the Senate and 12 in the House of Assembly. This shift towards gender parity in legislative bodies was supported by a series of initiatives put in place through the Voluntary Fund by the OHCHR, including targeted civic education programs aimed at empowering women, particularly in rural areas. These efforts were enhanced by a nationwide media campaign that highlighted the critical importance of women's leadership and aligned its messages with recommendations from the UPR.
What is the UPR Voluntary Fund for Financial and Technical Assistance?
The UPR Voluntary Fund for the implementation supports the realisation of UPR recommendations at the national level. Established in 2007 by Human Rights Council resolution and strengthened over the years, it has funded projects in 87 countries, focusing on priority UPR recommendations, creating national mechanisms for implementation, reporting, and follow-up, and strengthening UN country teams' capacity to integrate UPR recommendations into efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Gambia: Strengthening Mechanisms Against Gender-based Violence
In Gambia, the OHCHR, with the financial assistance of the Voluntary Fund, assisted the Ministry of Justice in organizing national consultations that brought together representatives from law enforcement and various ministries to implement UPR recommendations focused on improving the coordination and efficacy of responses to GBV and sexual violence. These discussions aimed at refining investigative and prosecutorial processes and were accompanied by a public awareness campaign that addressed violence against women, children, and persons with disabilities. The campaign, part of the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, played a crucial role in raising public awareness and support for victims, marking a pivotal improvement in societal and legal responses to gender-based violence.
Tajikistan: Legislative Advances for Disability Rights
Tajikistan has made noteworthy progress in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities. Supported by the OHCHR and the Voluntary Fund, the country initiated a collaborative legislative process with state representatives and civil society organisations to draft a comprehensive law. This law aligns with international human rights standards and enhances legal protections specifically for persons with disabilities.
These advancements in Eswatini, Gambia, and Tajikistan illustrate the effectiveness of the UPR as a tool for fostering significant human rights improvements. By implementing targeted initiatives based on recommendations received during the process, these countries have shown that substantial progress is achievable with the technical assistance of the UPR Voluntary Fund for implementation. These changes not only reflect a fulfilment of international human rights obligations but also ensure that these rights are practically realised, leading to lasting impacts on the ground.