The UPR voluntary fund at work

Since its creation, the Voluntary Fund for Financial and Technical Assistance in the Implementation of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) has helped States turn recommendations into action by providing technical and financial support—often where resources and capacity are most limited.

According to the report presented at the 59th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) in 2024, the Fund received 31 proposals for technical assistance, totaling $1.3 million in requests. Eighteen initiatives were selected and supported.

In 2024, 10 States contributed to the Fund, amounting to $434,170.50, a decrease from the previous year. The largest donors were India ($150,000) and Saudi Arabia ($90,000). Given the volume of annual assistance requests, a minimum of $1.5 million in voluntary contributions is required each year.

A key development in 2024 was the deployment of UPR Advisers at the regional level, which strengthened OHCHR’s ability to connect technical advice with Fund-supported projects on the ground. This strategic alignment strengthened the implementation of human rights recommendations by providing guidance and capacity-building to put them into practice. OHCHR’s support follows an integrated approach, aligning UPR recommendations with those from other UN human rights bodies.

During the Annual thematic panel discussion on technical cooperation and capacity-building of the 59th HRC session, UPR Info joined other NGOs in a statement to call on all States to establish or strengthen NMIRFs and adopt national human rights implementation plans. They stressed four key elements: high-level political support, permanent structures with funding, strong civil society and NHRI engagement, and local-level training for government officials.

A growing number of States are also establishing national mechanisms for implementation, reporting and follow-up (NMIRFs). These interministerial bodies promote cross-government coordination, engage with national human rights institutions (NHRIs) and civil society, and help align human rights implementation with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To support these efforts, OHCHR offers the National Recommendations Tracking Database, a tool that allows States to cluster and prioritize recommendations from the Universal Human Rights Index, and to monitor their progress effectively.

Results Achieved by the Voluntary Fund in 2024

The Voluntary Fund supported activities in the following regions: Latin America and the Caribbean (Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Suriname); Europe and Central Asia (Bosnia and Herzegovina); Middle East and North Africa (Egypt); West, Central and Southern Africa (Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Gabon, Guinea Bissau, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Sudan and United Republic of Tanzania); and South-East Asia (Lao People’s Democratic Republic).

Below you may find three concrete examples of how the Voluntary Fund, working closely with OHCHR country teams and regional advisers, has helped turn UPR recommendations into action on the ground. For additional cases, consult the full report.

Peru: advancing accountability through justice reform

Following the 2022–2023 protests in Peru, the government received several UPR recommendations related to accountability for alleged human rights violations. With support from the Voluntary Fund, OHCHR provided specialized assistance to the Office of the Attorney General, helping close technical gaps in forensic and criminal investigation processes. Victims and families were actively engaged, building trust and improving collaboration between prosecutors, lawyers, and victims’ organizations.

Lesotho: building institutions and fostering civic participation

In Lesotho, the Fund supported efforts to establish a national human rights institution (NHRI) in line with the Paris Principles. A workshop involving 42 participants from ministries, the EU Delegation, civil society, and the UN shaped the NHRI’s mandate and inter-institutional collaboration. The result: a bill establishing the NHRI was passed by the National Assembly in September 2024, pending final approval. The Fund also supported public outreach through a bilingual radio and TV series titled “Rights for All”, which encouraged citizen engagement with the UPR process. In parallel, a workshop for 27 parliamentarians raised awareness of their role in promoting and monitoring human rights commitments. A new joint parliamentary oversight committee on human rights was established as a direct outcome.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: advancing UPR engagement

With support from the Voluntary Fund, OHCHR assisted the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees in preparing for the country’s fourth UPR. For the first time, nationwide consultations with civil society were held in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Mostar, and the Brčko District, engaging over 100 participants—from government, NHRIs, UN entities, and diverse civil society groups. Two public events, co-organized with the EU Delegation, brought together stakeholders to present UPR reports and discuss priorities. The process not only strengthened national dialogue but also informed the new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2026–2030), ensuring UPR outcomes shape future development planning.