The UPR Adoptions at the 56th Session of the HRC: Key Highlights

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia received 354 recommendations, of which it supported 273. The delegation shared that the recommendations received were examined by the Standing Committee for Report Preparation—a national mechanism responsible for implementation, reporting, and follow-up, and at the level of the Human Rights Commission. During the fourth cycle, the country supported recommendations on the ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.

During the review, Senegal received 322 recommendations, accepting 299 and noting 23. Senegal reiterated its commitment to comprehensively implement the accepted recommendations, in line with an inclusive process involving stakeholders and civil society. The recommendations accepted by Senegal largely focused on strengthening efforts to protect the rights of vulnerable groups, including women, children, and elderly persons, as well as reforming the National Human Rights Institution in accordance with the Paris Principles.

China received 428 recommendations, which were examined by the established interdepartmental mechanism. As a result of this examination, 290 recommendations were supported. The delegation highlighted that its cooperation with the OHCHR was strengthened, particularly through exchanges on human rights and counter-terrorism, as well as on human rights protection within the criminal justice system. Officials from the OHCHR visited China and met with representatives from legislative and judicial departments.

The delegation of Malaysia reported that it accepted 223 out of 348 total recommendations; 182 were fully accepted, and 41 were accepted partially. Meanwhile, 125 recommendations were noted. Malaysia highlighted that the noted recommendations are those calling for changes to existing laws and policies within an impractical timeframe or those that infringe on matters beyond Malaysia's current scope of consideration. The delegation also shared several achievements made since January 2024, including reforms that promote and protect the rights of vulnerable groups, victims of sexual harassment, and in strengthening social security.

The Central African Republic accepted 238 out of 244 recommendations received, noting only 6. Many of the accepted recommendations focused on adherence to and ratification of legal instruments, legislative and institutional measures to strengthen peace and security, combat impunity, ensure access to justice, and protect human rights. They also emphasised international cooperation for capacity building, submission of reports to UN treaty bodies and other organs, and the organisation of free, democratic, and transparent elections.

Monaco received 147 recommendations, of which it accepted 92 and noted 55. During the adoption of the report, Monaco highlighted several advancements made in its efforts to improve human rights. Specifically, since the last review, the Monegasque state has implemented measures to prevent harassment in schools, eliminate corporal punishment of children, improve prison conditions, combat human trafficking, and protect the rights of LGBTQI+ persons, including the introduction of civil solidarity contracts in 2019. Moreover, it was emphasised that the definition of domestic violence is now strictly in line with the convention of the Council of Europe. 

Belize received a total of 166 recommendations, accepting 127 and noting 38. The delegation shared that efforts are ongoing to establish a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) in line with the Paris Principles. Additionally, Belize launched the National Gender Policy, aimed at addressing gaps in health, education, employment, and gender-based violence through a multi-sectoral approach and the implementation of gender programs across various sectors. Regarding the recommendations to ratify the 2nd Optional Protocol to the ICCPR, it was highlighted that although the death penalty remains part of the law, it has not been enforced in 35 years.

Nigeria examined 346 recommendations through its Inter-Ministerial National Committee on UPR implementation, supporting 279 and noting 67. It was highlighted that amendments to the law establishing the National Human Rights Commission have been passed by Parliament, which will enhance its independence, ensure security of tenure for its members, and guarantee funding. Additionally, the inter-ministerial committee was established to facilitate the implementation of UPR outcomes and international obligations.

Mauritius received 303 recommendations from 121 countries. Out of these, 204 were accepted and 99 were noted. The accepted recommendations primarily focused on improving healthcare, empowering women, enhancing education, protecting the environment, and addressing climate change. The delegation took the opportunity to  inform that the Government Mauritius has presented the candidature of Mauritius for membership to the Human Rights Council, for the term 2026-2028, during the elections which are scheduled to take place in New York in October 2025.

The delegation of Mexico shared that this year's review was conducted in the context of the largest presidential elections, resulting in the election of the country's first female head of state. Mexico received 318 recommendations, which were examined during consultations with the relevant executive, legislative, and judicial authorities, as well as civil society actors. As a result, Mexico accepted 304 recommendations, amounting to a 96 percent acceptance rate. The accepted recommendations focused on non-discrimination measures, gender equality, and the prevention of violence against women, among others. The delegation also shared that the country has ratified seven international treaties.

Jordan reported that it received 279 recommendations, accepting 204 and noting 75. The delegation shared the ongoing implementation of Penal Code provisions, which criminalize torture in all its forms. Additionally, there are considerations to reform the political system, economic, and public sectors, including efforts towards modernization.

Chad accepted 234 recommendations and took note of 8. The delegation shared that a series of activities are aimed at popularising the accepted recommendations, ensuring that actors involved in the implementation process—such as administrative bodies, civil society organisations, and human rights associations—can fully contribute. Chad also highlighted that many challenges persist in the country, particularly those stemming from insecurity, climate change, and poverty.

Out of 232 recommendations received, Malta accepted 181. The delegation reaffirmed Malta’s commitment to continuing its legislative work to ensure an inclusive society, with particular attention to women, girls, and the LGBTQI+ persons. Malta also shared that migration remains a significant challenge for the country and the region, and several clarifications were made regarding detention procedures.

Congo received 244 recommendations, of which it accepted 232 and noted 12. The delegation highlighted ongoing efforts to ratify several international treaties, including the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, and others against organized crime. Congo also reiterated its commitment to cooperate with various stakeholders to build capacity for protecting and promoting human rights.