28/10/2016

UPR Info Event and Publication Launch

Save the date

On Thursday 10 November 2016, 4:00 pm, Room XX, Palais des Nations, UPR Info, together with the Permanent Missions of Switzerland, Morocco and the United Kingdom, will be hosting the event Ensuring sustainable implementation at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR).

At this event, which will be opened by the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Kate Gilmore, and the President of the Human Rights Council, Mr. Kyonglim Choi, marking the end of the second UPR cycle, UPR Info will launch its new study, The Butterfly Effect – Spreading Good Practices of UPR Implementation. This study provides a robust assessment of the UPR’s ability to deliver on its promise to strengthen human rights at the domestic level. Based on interviews with Government officials, civil society organisations (CSOs) and UN agencies, the publication takes stock of achievements, and shortfalls, of the mechanism to date. It shares good practices of implementation of recommendations from across the globe as well as detailing how Governments and civil society have structured their cooperation to sustain human rights progress.

The publication demonstrates that the solution-oriented UPR has resulted in unprecedented cooperation between CSOs and Governments to establish a common agenda on human rights. Remarkably, this is also true in countries characterised by a challenging political environment, where the UPR has broken down barriers and created partnerships between the Government and local civil society. CSOs, through the UPR, have seized the opportunity to go beyond their traditional watch dog role to support the Government in the implementation of human rights recommendations.

While challenges remain, such as vague recommendations and a lack of funds for civil society, it is promising to note that the UPR is increasingly contributing to strengthening participatory democracy worldwide.
The Butterfly Effect – Spreading Good Practices of UPR Implementation offers in-depth insights into good practices of UPR engagement that will inspire all actors ahead of the third UPR cycle commencing in spring 2017.

The full programme can be accessed here.

Following the launch of the publication there will be a panel discussion in Room XX and the event will conclude with a reception. 

Hard copies of 'The Butterfly Effect' will be distributed in the room and a pdf-version will be made available on our website after the event.