The UPR: with or without USA
The United States of America (USA) has withdrawn its engagement from the upcoming Universal Periodic Review (UPR).
The announcement was made on 28 August 2025 during UPR Info’s Pre-sessions—an advocacy platform for dialogue with civil society organizations—by Juliette de Rivero, Chief of the UPR Branch at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
During President Trump’s first term, the USA did submit its UPR report in 2020, despite having withdrawn from the Human Rights Council at the time. If upheld, the current decision would mark the first time in UPR history that a UN Member State does not participate in its own review.
The USA, like all states scheduled for review at the 50th UPR Working Group in November 2025, was expected to submit a national report in early August outlining its human rights obligations, progress, and challenges. In parallel, civil society organizations submitted reports in line with UPR procedures in April 2025, with more than 100 from the USA providing detailed analysis and suggesting recommendations.
The UPR Pre-sessions, organized by UPR Info, are held ahead of the UPR Working Group sessions. They allow civil society organizations and National Human Rights Institutions to present updated information, recommendations, and perspectives to Member States, ensuring that a broad range of voices contribute to the UPR process.
US human rights advocates present in Geneva this week used UPR Info’s Pre-sessions to brief the international community on the current human rights situation in their country, underlining pressing concerns such as ongoing violations and the weakening of the rule of law. Key themes presented during the USA's Pre-session included: the right to food, climate change, poverty, sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), access to abortion and reproductive health, racism, immigration and asylum, online sexual exploitation, the shrinking space for civil society and the expansion of internal security policies.
“While we note the government’s decision not to participate in the UPR, it remains essential that civil society voices continue to be heard,” said Mona M’Bikay, Executive Director of UPR Info. “We commend and encourage civil society and all key national actors to continue their advocacy with Congress, the Senate, and local authorities to address human rights challenges and uphold national commitments. We also urge constructive engagement between national authorities and civil society, fostering dialogue and cooperation.”
The matter of the USA’s withdrawal from the UPR is now under consideration by the Bureau of the Human Rights Council.