UPR Info's 2025 Annual Report is out!
UPR Info is pleased to publish its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting how we worked with people and institutions around the world to advance human rights through the Universal Periodic Review.
In a year marked by growing pressure on human rights and multilateralism, UPR Info worked to support national actors in turning human rights recommendations into concrete action at the local level. At the heart of this work is the UPR, which we use as a practical tool to strengthen participation, accountability and implementation throughout the review cycle.
When the UPR is used strategically and inclusively, it can support accountability, foster cooperation and open pathways for change."
— Mona M'Bikay, UPR Info Executive Director
Over the course of the year, UPR Info reached more than 1,000 stakeholders worldwide through capacity-building, technical support and engagement activities across regions. Participants included human rights defenders (HRDs), national human rights institutions (NHRIs), State representatives, legal professionals, parliamentarians, Indigenous Peoples, young people and minority groups.
Strengthening the work of human rights defenders
Through online training, peer exchange and technical guidance, HRDs strengthened their ability to monitor human rights situations, prepare stakeholder reports and follow up on UPR recommendations. Follow-up conducted in January 2026 showed that 82% of participants subsequently submitted a stakeholder report to the UPR process. For 61% of them, it was their first time doing so.
Amplifying human rights voices from the ground
A central priority was ensuring that civil society perspectives could influence decision-makers. In 2025, UPR Info organised three series of Pre-sessions ahead of the 49th, 50th and 51st UPR Working Group sessions, giving HRDs and NHRIs a direct platform to present their concerns and recommendations to Permanent Missions in Geneva. The impact of the Pre-sessions was reflected in the strong uptake of civil society recommendations by UN Member States.
Supporting implementation at the national level
In Nepal, Kazakhstan, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, UPR Info worked with national partners to support stakeholder reporting, mid-term reporting, implementation strategies and multi-stakeholder dialogue. These initiatives helped stakeholders move beyond reporting towards stronger monitoring, coordination and accountability. They also created opportunities for civil society, national institutions and State representatives to discuss how recommendations could be implemented in practice.
Making the UPR accessible
UPR Info also worked to make the UPR easier to understand, access and use. Throughout the year, the organisation published news, updates and analysis, contributed to discussions at the Human Rights Council and continued its regular column in the Tribune de Genève. It also developed thematic communication campaigns to raise awareness of emerging human rights concerns, including digital gender-based violence. Through these activities, UPR Info helped connect developments in Geneva with the people and communities working to advance human rights at the national level.
Connecting institutions, expertise and practice
UPR Info continued to deepen its engagement with national human rights institutions, State delegations, diplomats, legal professionals and academic partners. In 2025, the organisation supported States under review in preparing more effectively for the interactive dialogue, helped legal professionals explore how UPR recommendations can be used in domestic legal practice, and continued connecting academic research with practical human rights work. These partnerships reflect the collaborative nature of the UPR and the importance of bringing together different forms of knowledge, experience and expertise.
Looking towards the fifth UPR cycle
As the UPR approaches its fifth cycle, UPR Info will contribute to reflections on the future of the mechanism, expand learning opportunities, promote inclusive participation and help stakeholders translate recommendations into measurable progress at the national level. UPR Info warmly thanks its partners, donors, Board members, team, interns and all the stakeholders who contributed to this work throughout 2025.