In December 2025, in partnership with DKA Austria, CCIG offered training on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism to a civil society coordinator working in the areas of environmental issues, Indigenous peoples’ rights, and business and human rights in Papua New Guinea. The training, divided in two modules, aimed to promote advocacy and engagement of civil society in the upcoming UPR of Papua New Guinea, scheduled to take place on 4 November 2026.

Training Module I provided a thorough explanation of the UPR mechanism, with emphasis on the timeline for Papua New Guinea’s review. It also highlighted the opportunities for civil society participation, including advocating Member States to put forward priority recommendations, delivering oral statements at the HRC, and monitoring the implementation of UPR recommendations.

Module II focused on identifying and assessing previous UPR recommendations for Papua New Guinea, such as improving environmental standards, ensuring meaningful participation of vulnerable communities in climate change and disaster risk reduction frameworks, and developing national human rights action plans with a focus on the business sector. Step-by-step guidance was provided on how to make recommendations and draft an effective UPR submission, from identifying human rights issues and conducting research to writing and submission to the UN.

Through this initiative, CCIG aims to support and encourage local organizations to take an active role in their country’s UPR process and to advocate more effectively for stronger human rights practices within their communities. We look forward to seeing their engagement in the country’s upcoming UPR in November 2026.