States near and far increase participation in the UPR
The Human Rights Council's 56th session brought with it updates about the Voluntary Fund for Participation in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR).
The report, presented by Mr. Mahamane Cisse-Gouro, Director of the Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division of OHCHR, highlighted the activities supported by the Voluntary Fund over the past year, emphasizing its vital role in fostering the participation of Member States—particularly those from least developed countries and small island developing States—in the UPR process.
During the first five sessions of the fourth UPR cycle, Member States showed remarkable engagement, with an average of 100 speakers participating in each review and delivering 270 recommendations per State under review. This marks a significant increase from the third cycle, reflecting a heightened global commitment to the UPR process. The fourth cycle has also seen an increase in parliamentary involvement, with 39 parliamentarians from 23 States participating in the interactive dialogues during the first year and a half of the cycle. Notably, delegations from six States were led by parliamentarians, underscoring the importance of legislative bodies in the UPR process. In comparison, 52 parliamentarians from 32 States participated throughout the entire third cycle.
The report highlights OHCHR's efforts to ensure gender balance within delegations. In 2023, 15 out of 47 delegations were headed by women, with notable participation from countries like Germany, France, and the UAE. Online briefings were also organized for countries such as Argentina and Uzbekistan, helping them prepare for their reviews with comprehensive guidance on UPR processes.
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What is the Voluntary Fund for Participation in the Universal Periodic Review?
Established to enhance the inclusivity and effectiveness of the UPR mechanism, the Voluntary Fund plays a crucial role in ensuring that developing nations have a voice in the global dialogue on human rights. It provides financial support enabling delegates from eligible countries to attend UPR sessions and Human Rights Council meetings, ensuring their active participation in discussions and decisions.
Additionally, gender composition varied across sessions, with some sessions achieving near parity between men and women.
In line with the Voluntary Fund's mandate to support in-country and online briefings before Working Group sessions, OHCHR provided essential briefings for the governments of Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Senegal. These briefings assist countries in the preparatory process and promote a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities of engaging with the UPR mechanism. For instance, in Senegal, a workshop in Mbour, supported by the Voluntary Fund, gathered 30 representatives to discuss and draft the national report based on third-cycle recommendations.
In 2023, OHCHR held pre-session meetings in Geneva, offering detailed briefings on the procedural and substantive aspects of the UPR to States under review and troika members. These sessions, conducted in English and French, facilitated a better understanding of the UPR's organizational requirements and strategic approaches to the review process.
With the support of the Voluntary Fund, OHCHR will continue to strengthen its support to Member States, in particular least developed countries and small island developing States, to build their capacity for meaningful participation in all stages of the universal periodic review, by providing them with virtual and in-country briefings and training.
To read the full report click here.