UPR Info elects new executive board
UPR Info is pleased to announce the appointment of Gianni Magazzeni as the new President of its Executive Board.
Gianni Magazzeni, who has been a member of the Board since September 2023, brings nearly 40 years of experience within the United Nations. He was special assistant to multiple Heads of the Human Rights Program, including the first High Commissioner for Human Rights, working from early on to develop an operational capacity, with the setting up of multiple field presences – starting in Rwanda in 1994 - and then to coordinate the first geographical teams/desks set up in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Over the years, he supported multiple Commissions of Inquiry and Fact-Finding Missions in Liberia, East Timor, Côte d’Ivoire, and Uzbekistan.
Additionally, he served as Head of the Human Rights Component of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (2006–2007). Back in OHCHR, Gianni Magazzeni played a crucial role in reinforcing National Human Rights Institutions and Regional Mechanisms, focusing on their independence and effectiveness, through an enhanced accreditation process, and developing close partnerships with them.
“I am honored to take on this new role at UPR Info. Over the past year, I have seen firsthand the organization’s vital work, and I look forward to contributing to its further development. The future presents challenges, but we must remain committed to upholding human rights and strengthening UPR Info as a center of excellence. Building strong partnerships with NGOs and human rights institutions will be crucial in advancing our mission. I appreciate the support and trust placed in me and will do my utmost to meet your expectations,” said Gianni Magazzeni.
As Chief of the Americas, Europe, and Central Asia regions, he oversaw multiple field operations and led the establishment of the Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, in 2014.Most recently, as head of the Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review (2017-2023), he worked on enhancing the use of the UPR mechanism, within and outside the UN System, to achieve concrete results in terms of human rights, at country level, working in cooperation with the all branches of the Government, various UN Entities, and other national stakeholders.
Reflecting on his new role during the last UPR Info General Assembly, held on 22 January 2025, Gianni Magazzeni stated:
“ We must focus on effectively implementing human rights mechanisms, utilizing available tools and resources efficiently. The Universal Periodic Review remains the most impactful mechanism for identifying legal and institutional gaps, ensuring accountability, and supporting States in fulfilling their legal human rights obligations and commitments.”
Gianni Magazzeni succeeds Catherine Mbengue, an esteemed human rights professional with over 35 years of experience in international development cooperation.
“We are deeply grateful to Catherine Mbengue for her dedicated support and invaluable contributions to our organization. It has been a privilege for UPR Info to benefit from her expertise and passionate commitment over the past six years,” said Mona M’Bikay, Executive Director of UPR Info.
During the same General Assembly, a new member of the Board was also nominated: Fernanda Lapa. She is a human rights professor and the co-founder and Executive Director of the Institute for Development and Human Rights, an NGO with ECOSOC status founded in 2004. She has been actively engaged with the UPR process since its inception in 2006, playing a central role in coordinating national and regional UPR coalitions in Brazil and Latin America.
Fernanda Lapa has authored several articles on the UPR and human rights education, including the recent publication: "UPR: A Practical Guide for Civil Society to Build National Coalitions" .
UPR Info looks forward to this new chapter and remains committed to promoting human rights through the Universal Periodic Review process.