Universal Periodic Review: a step in the right direction?

After replacing the Commission on Human Rights, the Human Rights Council established Universal Periodic Review, a new mechanism for periodically reviewing the human rights record of every United Nations Member State. As the only mechanism of its kind, it is imperative to assess and evaluate the efficacy and efficiency of the review process to identify strengths and weaknesses. Whilst Universal Periodic Review marks a significant improvement in human rights monitoring, it is a new process that necessitates a pragmatic approach towards continual improvement stemming from an examination of best practices and challenges in the context of the principles and objectives of the review to enhance its intended outcomes. This study explores how Universal Periodic Review has changed the landscape of human rights monitoring through an examination of the review’s normative framework; the indivisibility and interrelatedness of human rights in the context of Universal Periodic Review; strategies to enhance the role of relevant stakeholders; the quality of voluntary commitments, recommendations and State responses; and, implementation and follow-up. Data collected from monitoring, documenting and analysing the Universal Periodic Review process during its first cycle will help identify strengths and challenges and contribute towards improving the effectiveness of the United Nations’ system for reviewing each United Nations Member State’s human rights record in future cycles. Although Universal Periodic Review has already produced significant results, much progress is yet to be achieved. Recommendations are provided to solidify best practices and address key challenges in preparation for future cycles of review.