During the 48th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva from January 20-31, 2025, the human rights records of fourteen nations will undergo scrutiny. This Universal Periodic Review (UPR) involves peer evaluation of each UN member state’s human rights practices every four-and-a-half years, with participation from the 47-member Human Rights Council and other UN states.
The countries being reviewed this session, in order, include: Italy, El Salvador, The Gambia, Bolivia, Fiji, San Marino, Kazakhstan, Angola, Iran, Madagascar, Iraq, Slovenia, Egypt, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This marks the fourth assessment for each of these states, underscoring the ongoing commitment to human rights adherence since their last reviews.
Delegations representing these nations will present the strides they’ve made in fulfilling their human rights obligations while also acknowledging existing challenges. An interactive dialogue will ensue as the UPR Working Group engages with each state, allowing for a thorough examination of their progress within a three-and-a-half-hour framework.
The review is based on a trio of foundational documents: the National Report prepared by each state, a UN Compilation from relevant mechanisms, and a Summary of Stakeholders which provides insights from NGOs and other organizations. This comprehensive approach ensures a multifaceted evaluation of human rights performance.
Facilitated by groups of three members known as ‘troikas,’ selected through a drawing on January 8, 2025, each state’s review aims to encourage best practices and enhance cooperation in the pursuit of human rights. Final outcomes will be formalized during the Human Rights Council’s plenary session from June 16 to July 11, 2025, allowing various stakeholders to voice their perspectives.
The objectives of the UPR hinge on improving ground-level human rights, fulfilling state obligations, assessing developments, and facilitating technical assistance. By addressing underlying human rights issues, the recommendations aim to bolster national systems, ultimately fostering a preventive impact against violations.
Undertaken in Geneva’s Palais des Nations, the UPR sessions will be live-streamed in six UN languages, enriching the global discourse on human rights. Each country’s review is carefully scheduled, inviting global scrutiny and cooperation to champion human rights universally, forging pathways to progress for all involved.
The 48th session of the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review, from January 20-31, 2025, will examine the human rights records of 14 nations, including Italy, El Salvador, and The Gambia. Nations will present their human rights achievements and challenges. The review utilizes three key documents and involves interactive dialogues led by selected troikas. The outcome will further bolster international human rights commitments and practices.
The upcoming UPR session is a significant moment for the evaluated nations, allowing them to reflect, present progress, and engage in constructive dialogue about human rights performance. The diverse array of participating countries underscores a collective commitment mandated by the UN to uplift human rights globally. As nations collaboratively navigate their challenges and achievements, the review process aims to direct meaningful change and fortify global human rights standards.
The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a unique mechanism that emphasizes the collaborative review of human rights records among UN member states. Established by the United Nations Human Rights Council, it seeks to enhance the respect for human rights globally, allowing nations to complement each other in best practices while confronting their shortcomings. The scheduled session in January 2025 highlights a consistent effort to promote accountability and advocacy for human rights improvements across various geopolitical landscapes.
Original Source: www.socialnews.xyz
