The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a unique mechanism of the United Nations which started in April 2008 and consists of reviewing the human rights situation of all UN Member States, once every four and a half years.States have to implement the recommendations they have accepted and voluntary pledges they have taken. During the UPR , the country is reviewed on the implementation of those recommendations and on the human rights situation since the previous review.

The UPR process involves various stakeholders including Civil Society Organisations who play an important part in monitoring the State’s implementation of UPR recommendations to ensure Government’s accountability and respect of human rights. The findings can serve as the basis for advocacy with the national Government, and may be developed as submissions to human rights mechanisms.