The UN Human Rights Council (HRC) recently took up the topic of the implementation of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations during its Annual Panel on Technical Cooperation. The panel took place on July 9, 2024 at Palais des Nations, Room XX, as part of the 56th Session of the HRC. The theme of the panel was enhancing capacity building and technical cooperation in the implementation of UPR recommendations.
The panel consisted of H.E. Mr. Tormod C. Endresen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Norway to the United Nations, Ms. Adriana Quiñones, Head of Human Rights and Development and Deputy Head of UN-Women Geneva Office, Ms. Mona M’Bikay, Executive Director of UPR Info. The panelists commended the role of the UPR mechanism in the advancement of human rights. Overall, they highlighted the cooperation at the heart of the UPR process, which is a review among states as peers, and noted the importance of capacity building and knowledge sharing not only among states, but international organizations, national civil society, and local actors as well. The panelists also mentioned the need for sustainable financing and the significance of the voluntary fund to support the implementation of recommendations.
During the panel, CCIG made an oral statement highlighting the need for continued efforts to ensure the effective implementation of UPR recommendations on the ground. The joint statement was co-signed by Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII; Caritas Internationalis; Compagnie des Filles de la Charité de Saint Vincent de Paul; Edmund Rice International; Fédération internationale de l’Action des chrétiens pour l’abolition de la torture; Fondazione Marista per la Solidarietà Internazionale; International Volunteerism Organization for Women, Education, Development; Instituto de Desenvolvimento e Direitos Humanos; Istituto Internazionale Maria Ausiliatrice; Office International de l’enseignement catholique; UPR Info; and VIVAT International.
The statement began by underscoring the importance of involving rights holders in decision-making processes so that their concerns are reflected in laws and policies. Then, it called for enhancing the role of legal professionals and the media in raising awareness of the UPR and human rights issues. Finally, the statement noted the importance of National Mechanisms for Implementation, Reporting, and Follow-up (NMIRFs) for monitoring the implementation of UPR recommendations and called for greater protection as well as logistical and financial support for civil society, which would enable them to effectively contribute to advancing human rights.
The recording of the panel can be watched here. The text and video of the oral statement are also available on CCIG website. For more information on CCIG work within the framework of the UPR, please consult the CCIG UPR Platform webpage.