Non-governmental organizations and National human rights institutions
The UPR process ensures the participation of all relevant stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and national human rights institutions (NHRIs). NGOs and NHRIs can submit information which can be added to the “other stakeholders” report which is considered during the review. Information they provide can be referred to by any of the States taking part in the interactive discussion during the review at the Working Group meeting. NGOs can attend the UPR Working Group sessions and can make statements at the regular session of the Human Rights Council when the outcome of the State reviews are considered. OHCHR has released "Technical guidelines for the submission of stakeholders”.
Info note for other relevant stakeholders:
A | E | F | R | S
Info note for NHRIs
E | F | S
Technical guidelines for the submission of stakeholders' information
Stakeholders’ submissions should be sent to uprsubmissions@ohchr.org
Submissions in relation to the 14 countries scheduled to be reviewed at the fourteenth session of the Working Group on the UPR (22 October – 5 November 2012) should be sent to the address indicated above by:
19 March 2012 for submissions on Czech Republic, Argentina, Gabon, Ghana, Peru, Guatemala and Benin; and
26 March 2012 for submissions on Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Pakistan, Zambia, Japan, Ukraine and Sri Lanka.
Please note that the maximum length for submissions is 2815 words when submitted by individual stakeholders, and 5630 words when submitted jointly by several stakeholders.
Please, note that all UPR submissions must be submitted and received on the day of the given deadline. Late submissions will not be considered.
NGO participation
13th Session of the Working Group of the Universal Periodic Review 21 May to 4 June 2012
Through the Universal Periodic Review, the Human Rights Council reviews, on a periodic basis, the fulfilment by each of the 192 United Nations Member States of their human rights obligations and commitments.
How does it work?
A review of a State is based on a national report prepared by the State under review; a compilation of United Nations information on the State under review prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR); and a summary of information submitted by other stakeholders (including civil society actors), also prepared by OHCHR.
The review itself takes place in Geneva in a session of the Working Group on the UPR, which is composed of the 47 member States of the Human Rights Council. The review takes the form of an interactive dialogue between the State under review and the member and observer States of the Council. At the end of each review, the Working Group adopts an outcome document, which is subsequently considered and adopted by the Human Rights Council and a later session.
How to participate in a session of the Working Group?
NGOs in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) can be accredited to participate in the session of the Working Group as Observers.
Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31 of July 1996.
Check your NGO in the ECOSOC NGO database.
For information on how your NGO can apply for ECOSOC consultative status.
As Observers, NGOs are able to observe the proceedings without making oral or written statements, though may organize Information Meetings on the UPR process, with a view to sharing information and best practices. The Working Group’s sessions are broadcast live on an OHCHR webcast.
Quick links:
- A Practical Guide for Civil Society (i.e. about accreditation, attending the session, access to the public gallery, requesting a room for an Information Meeting, documentation and resources, participation in general, as well as Guidelines for Stakeholders Submissions) [Download: E | F | R | S]
- Link to NGO Information Meeting Request Form.
- Working with the United Nations Human Rights Programme: Handbook for Civil Society.
For further information or assistance, please contact the NGO Liaison Team of the Human Rights Council Secretariat at civilsociety@ohchr.org.