New guide: Civil society engagement on anti-corruption through the UPR
We are pleased to announce the launch of a new resource for civil society organizations "Bridging anti-corruption and human rights efforts" a guide for anti-corruption advocates to engage in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, developed by the UNCAC Coalition and UPR Info.
This practical guide is a call to action for civil society actors working to strengthen both anti-corruption and human rights advocacy. It provides clear, accessible steps to engage strategically with the UPR and integrate this work into broader efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance.
The UPR with its regular check-up on the status of the human rights health of each State contains a detailed listing of what each State needs to do to become healthy and more resilient, by ensuring growing compliance with its international human rights obligations. — or, if you prefer, you could adapt it or suggest a new one that better fits the guide. Ensuring follow up action to at least all supported anti-corruption recommendations would be key to the enhanced implementation agenda of the UPR 4th cycle."
Gianni Magazzeni, President of UPR Info Board and former UPR Chief Branch of OHCHR
Why This Guide Matters
Corruption and human rights violations are deeply interconnected. Though often treated separately, they share root causes — such as weak institutions, limited transparency, and inequality — and they frequently reinforce one another.
Engaging with the UPR allows civil society to advocate for reforms that address both corruption and human rights harms, particularly those impacting marginalized communities.
Rather than viewing anti-corruption and human rights as separate agendas, the guide promotes a holistic, rights-based approach to systemic change.
What’s Inside the Guide?
The guide offers tools and strategies to help CSOs make the most of the UPR process. It includes four sections:
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Navigating UN Mechanisms
Introduces the UPR and the Implementation Review Mechanism (IRM) of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) — and how they can work together to advance anti-corruption and human rights goals. -
Bridging anti-corruption and human rights efforts
Analyzes how corruption is addressed in the UPR, offers tips for crafting actionable recommendations, and identifies synergies with UNCAC. -
The UPR: a space for civil society engagement
Covers the full UPR cycle — from preparing submissions and joining national consultations to advocacy during the review and follow-up. -
Annex of Resources
Includes templates, tools, and platforms like UPR Info to support coordination, awareness, and implementation.
This guide was made possible through the collaboration between the UNCAC Coalition and UPR Info. The project was supported by the UNCAC Coalition and received additional support from the Ville de Genève for UPR Info’s contribution.
Official Launch at the 59th HRC session
UPR Info will participate in the official launch “Connecting the Dots: A Guide for CSOs to Engage on Anti-Corruption through the UPR” during a dedicated side event at the 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Date: Thursday, 19 June 2025
Time: 12:15–13:15 CET
Room: VII, Building A, Palais des Nations, Geneva and online participation available at this link.
Co-organized by the Core Group of the Resolution on the Negative Impact of Corruption on the Enjoyment of Human Rights, the UNCAC Coalition, Transparency International, and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the event will bring together diplomats, UN officials, and civil society leaders.
The discussion will focus on how anti-corruption and human rights agendas can reinforce one another in practice. By showcasing practical tools and real-world experiences, the event aims to bridge the gap between these two fields and promote anti-corruption efforts rooted in human rights principles — including transparency, participation, and accountability.
More information about the side event, including the concept note can be found at this link.
To download the guide, click here.