Universal Periodic Review (UPR)

The UK takes part in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). This is a peer review process conducted by the UN Human Rights Council to assess the human rights situation in every UN Member State.

The UPR assesses the extent to which states are putting human rights into practice, looking at each state’s human rights obligations as set out in:

• the UN Charter
• the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• the international human rights treaties each state has signed up to
• voluntary commitments, such as national human rights policies
• relevant international humanitarian law (which regulates the conduct of war)

How the UPR is monitored

Under the UPR, the human rights situation of every UN Member State is reviewed every 5 years. The review is conducted by the UPR Working Group, which consists of the 47 members of the UN Human Rights Council. Find out more about the previous review cycles.

There are four stages in the UPR cycle.

Engagement and participation 

Civil society organisations and other stakeholders can engage in the UPR cycle. The UN has provided information on how to participate.  Further information can also be found on UPR Info. 

We aim to support civil society organisations to understand and engage with the monitoring process. For instance, we may host webinars or roundtable discussions, commission organisations to produce reports on behalf of wider civil society, or provide financial assistance to increase participation in UN oral evidence sessions. 

We will commission up to a maximum of one civil society project per cycle. We most recently provided funding to Birmingham City University and barrister’s chambers, 4 King’s Bench Walk, Inner Temple, as part of the current reporting cycle to deliver activities for empowering civil society in the UPR.  

Universal Periodic Review (UPR) cycle

The UPR cycle is currently at stage 4: Government implements recommendations.