Status of Children's Rights in the UPR


The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is the UN’s main way of assessing the human rights situation in every State. It’s where the Human Rights Council (HRC) reviews the human rights record of each State, every four and half years. The review is based on reports State submit, and also alternative reports submitted by civil society, including NGOs. The UPR presents an excellent opportunity to get children’s rights featured in international human rights debates as it is about all human rights.

In 2010 CRIN did research into how well the UPR is being used to advance children’s rights, and in particular, to what extent civil society is using the UPR to advance children’s rights. The research also looked at NGOs’ experience of using the UPR and some lessons learned.

Download the full text of CRIN's report on the "Universal periodic review: the status of children's rights" in English | Español | Francais

NGOs experiences of using the UPR

CRIN has summarised the findings of a series of interviews conducted with a range of children's rights focused organisations, assessing the ways they have approached the various stages of the UPR process.

The report illustrates both successful and unsuccessful strategies adopted in each stage of the UPR process, from submitting reports, to national and international lobbying approaches, to post-review follow-up. This guide is an important source both for organisations who have already submitted reports to the UPR, as well as those looking to engage with the mechanism for the first time.