Equality and Human Rights Commission
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Universal Periodic Review
The UK human rights exam is coming up - find out more!
On 24 May 2012 the United Kingdom’s human rights record will be examined by the United Nations during a process called Universal Periodic Review. The Commission, as A status National Human Rights institution (NHRI) has prioritised engagement with this key international compliance mechanism.
- In March 2012, in cooperation with the Scottish Human Rights Commission and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, we hosted a side event to the Human Rights' Council's 19th Session. 'Preparing for the Universal Periodic Review of the United Kingdom - A briefing for Permanent Missions by the UK A status National Human Rights Institutions' aimed to inform Human Rights Council State Parties about key human rights priorities in the UK.
- In November 2011 the Commission provided an independent assessment of human rights in Great Britain to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
- In Autumn 2011 we supported an awareness raising project across England and Wales encouraging voluntary sector organisations engaging with the process and submitting information to the OHCHR.
- In April 2012 the OHCHR published a summary of the NHRI submissions and 75 NGO submissions. It also published a compilation of UN bodies’ observations and recommendations on human rights in the UK.
- In Autumn 2011 the Commission also participated in the Government consultation on its National Report, which was published on 5 March 2012. The Ministry of Justice is currently running a mini survey on topics to be raised at the examination with the deadline 11 May 2012. Participate in the survey.
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What is the UPR? |
In order to improve human rights acoss the globe, the UN Human Rights Council holds a public examination of each of the 192 UN Member States every four years to examine where governments are doing well and how they can improve. |
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Why is the UPR important? |
Though the exam takes place in Geneva, the UPR is an opportunity to kick start a national debate on human rights. It's a chance for individuals and organisations in Britain to tell the world how the government is doing on human rights and how it can improve everyone's enjoyment of rights, everyday. |
More information
- Read more about how the UPR works
- Find out about the Commission's activities on the UPR
- Details of our support for voluntary sector organisations
- Contact communications@equalityhumanrights.com if you have any queries.