Universal Periodic Review (UPR)

The UK takes part in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). This is a peer review process conducted by the UN Human Rights Council to assess the human rights situation in every UN Member State.

The UPR assesses how states are putting human rights into practice, looking at their human rights obligations as set out in:

• the UN Charter

• the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

• the international human rights treaties each state has signed up to

• voluntary commitments, such as national human rights policies

• relevant international humanitarian law (which regulates the conduct of war)

The UN Human Rights Council last assessed the UK and published its recommendations in May 2017. In total, the UK received 227 recommendations for improvements to its human rights record. These included:

• incorporating international human rights treaties into domestic law

• establishing comprehensive national mechanisms for monitoring and reporting on progress and ensuring implementation of the UPR and treaty body recommendations

• taking action to ensure that full and productive employment and decent work is a reality for all

• reducing inequality across society by identifying and addressing persistent disadvantages

• strengthening measures to prevent violence, abuse and hate crimes

• providing equal access to justice and legal aid for disadvantaged and marginalised individuals and groups