Supporting the UPR: supporting human rights on the ground
For countries like Dominica, with limited resources and no permanent representation in Geneva, the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) represents a valuable opportunity to make their human rights priorities heard. Thanks to the support of the UPR voluntary fund, Dominica was able to accede to the Convention against Torture, and has since committed itself to implementing important measures with the support of international partners.
On June 23, 2025, during the 59th session of the Human Rights Council, a side event entitled “The UPR in the regions: impact stories on UPR implementation” was held. Organized by the OHCHR, it provided an opportunity to recall the importance of financial support for UPR implementation, through examples from several regions.
Ms. Nada Al-Nashif, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, opened the discussion by stressing that, in a weakened multilateral context, the UPR remains a fundamental mechanism for discussing human rights on a global scale. She referred in particular to resolution 51/30, adopted in 2022, which strengthens the role of regional advisors. As the interventions that followed demonstrated, these advisors have played a key role in various initiatives aimed at implementing the recommendations.
The UPR is a mechanism based on the principles of equal treatment and universal participation. To guarantee this, two support funds have been set up: one to facilitate the participation of least developed countries (LDCs) and small island states (SIDS) in the mechanism; the other to support the concrete implementation of recommendations through financial and technical assistance. To date, 119 countries have benefited from support to participate in the reviews, with around 60% of these beneficiaries coming from LDCs and SIDS. The implementation fund has already supported projects in over 90 countries, with $7.4 million allocated.
In Gambia, for example, the UPR recommendations have led to the strengthening of the fight against sexual violence, thanks to the creation of a specialized unit and improved cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the ministries concerned, improving prosecutions and access to justice. In southern Africa, concrete advances have been made: South Africa has ratified the Convention on Enforced Disappearances; Zimbabwe and Zambia have abolished the death penalty; Mauritius and Botswana have passed laws on disability; in Eswatini, a bill on legal aid is underway. Coordination with UN teams has strengthened ownership of the process, notably in Mauritius, where civil society participation in the UPR increased from 23 to 125 organizations between the 3rd and 4th cycles, and in Botswana, where an NHRI has been created.
These success stories are often linked to the presence of specialized regional advisors, who accompany countries throughout the process.
As explained by Juliette de Rivero, Head of the UPR Branch at OHCHR, the mission of UPR advisors is to help member states and stakeholders implement UPR recommendations, to support states in preparing for UPR sessions, and to set up follow-up mechanisms for accepted recommendations. This work is made possible by UPR funds, which are used to finance targeted projects.
As H.E. Ambassador Hasmik Tolmajian, Permanent Representative of Armenia and member of the Group of Friends of the UPR, recalled at the conclusion of the event, the UPR is a unique space for constructive dialogue in a global context marked by polarization and geopolitical tensions. The Ambassador stressed the importance of creating stronger links between UPR recommendations and international aid, to help States better align their human rights commitments with the necessary and appropriate resources and expertise.