Introduction to the UPR
The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a mechanism where each UN member states go through an interactive dialogue where the compliance of the concerned state’s human rights obligations is reviewed.
It is the first ever universal examination system, in the sense that all countries must undergo the same procedure one by one and on equal terms and it is the entire human rights situation which is considered.
UPR was initiated in the beginning of 2008, and in 2011 all 192 UN members will have undergone the assessment. UPR’s primary purpose is to improve the human rights in practice – i.e. not just on paper as noted in the law, but it is initiated with the purpose that each individual can actually feel a difference.
Denmark at the exam
This year it is Denmark’s turn to undergo the examination. On May 2nd 2011 Denmark will participate in a three hour long interactive dialogue with the working group comprised by members of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva as well as observing states. Subsequently, on May 4th, the working group will approve the outcome report, which is the result of the review carried out on May 2nd. The report will include questions and recommendations made by the working group as well as perspectives and views put forward by the Danish delegation. Most importantly Denmark will consider which recommendations to accept, take up for further consideration or dismiss. This will be published in the outcome report on May 4th.
The UN proposes a broad hearing process in each country in relation to the preparation of the national report prepared by the government. The government is encouraged to carry this out prior to the assessment. When the review conducted by the UN has taken place and the recommendations have been considered – accepted or dismissed by the Danish government – a final adoption of the “outcome report” will take place in the Human Rights Council by the end of 2011. Hereafter and until the next assessment of Denmark, which is to take place in four years, it will be the Danish government’s task, in cooperation with other stakeholders (NGO’s, the media, IMR etc), to implement the recommendations Denmark has committed to.
Read more about the methodology based on the first cycle:
UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW - FIRST CYCLE
Reporting methodologies from the position of the state, civil society and national human rights institutions
It is the first ever universal examination system, in the sense that all countries must undergo the same procedure one by one and on equal terms and it is the entire human rights situation which is considered.
UPR was initiated in the beginning of 2008, and in 2011 all 192 UN members will have undergone the assessment. UPR’s primary purpose is to improve the human rights in practice – i.e. not just on paper as noted in the law, but it is initiated with the purpose that each individual can actually feel a difference.
Denmark at the exam
This year it is Denmark’s turn to undergo the examination. On May 2nd 2011 Denmark will participate in a three hour long interactive dialogue with the working group comprised by members of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva as well as observing states. Subsequently, on May 4th, the working group will approve the outcome report, which is the result of the review carried out on May 2nd. The report will include questions and recommendations made by the working group as well as perspectives and views put forward by the Danish delegation. Most importantly Denmark will consider which recommendations to accept, take up for further consideration or dismiss. This will be published in the outcome report on May 4th.
The UN proposes a broad hearing process in each country in relation to the preparation of the national report prepared by the government. The government is encouraged to carry this out prior to the assessment. When the review conducted by the UN has taken place and the recommendations have been considered – accepted or dismissed by the Danish government – a final adoption of the “outcome report” will take place in the Human Rights Council by the end of 2011. Hereafter and until the next assessment of Denmark, which is to take place in four years, it will be the Danish government’s task, in cooperation with other stakeholders (NGO’s, the media, IMR etc), to implement the recommendations Denmark has committed to.
Read more about the methodology based on the first cycle:
UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW - FIRST CYCLE
Reporting methodologies from the position of the state, civil society and national human rights institutions