UPR - Universal Periodic Review

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) was established by Resolution 60/251 of the United Nations General Assembly. This resolution, adopted on 15 March 2006, formed the basis for the establishment of the Human Rights Council.

The UPR aims to improve the human rights situation in each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations by giving each Member State the opportunity to present the measures it has taken to improve human rights within its territory and to fulfil its obligations in this regard.

Member states are assessed in an evaluation cycle:

1. Examination of the human rights situation through reports
   First, the human rights situation in the member state is examined on the basis of state reports, alternative reports, reports from other UN bodies, etc.
2. Recommendations from the Human Rights Council
   The UPR Working Group then meets with government representatives in an informal discussion during which recommendations are formulated. The Human Rights Council then formally adopts the recommendations.
3. Implementation of the recommendations by the state concerned
   The Member State must follow up on these recommendations. The next review then takes as its starting point the latest recommendations and their follow-up.

Further information: Timeline of the UPR for Belgium