Universal Periodic Review of Human Rights
Towards Best Practice
Published on 1. August 2009
Book
Paperback/Softback
138 pages
978-1-84929-005-0 (ISBN)
Description
The Universal Periodic Review mechanism of the UN Human Rights Council, which came into effect in 2008, has established itself as a mechanism with huge potential and which promotes dialogue and a level playing field for all countries undergoing the review of their human rights record. Building on the Commonwealth Secretariat's observations and analysis of the process, and the seminars it has conducted with member states, Universal Periodic Review of Human Rights consolidates the lessons learned so far, speaking equally to the three major stakeholders in the process - to states, to national human rights institutions, and to civil society organisations. An effective UPR mechanism will enhance the promotion of human rights across the world. It is therefore essential for the key players to understand and advance the UPR process including at the implementation phase. This publication describes UPR, shares experiences and provides analysis of the Commonwealth countries that reported in the first year of the UPR process.
Reviews / Votes
'a useful introductory guide to the aims and procedure of the UPR.' (Read the full review at www.ucl.ac.uk/human-rights/research/ucl-hrr/docs/hrreviewissue2/issue2). UCL Human Rights Review, Volume 2, October 2009 'Although this book is designed for a specific audience (the Commonwealth), it serves to inform any state, human rights institution, or civil society organization as to what to expect from the UPR process. It also has the unique advantage of being the first book to appear on the new UPR mechanism, which is what compelled this reviewer to examine it. Such studies, if there are more in the future, no doubt will also assist the Human Rights Council in undertaking its own assessment of the process.' (Read the full review at www.du.edu/korbel/hrhw/booknotes/2010/cerna-2010.html). Human Rights and Human Welfare, an online journal of academic literature review, 2010 Book NotesMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
Illustrations (some col.)
Dimensions
Height: 240 mm
Width: 170 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-84929-005-0 (9781849290050)
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Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Dr Purna Sen is the former Head of Human Rights at the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Content
Abbreviations Preface Foreword Introduction Collaborating with the Commonwealth Secretariat Introduction to the Universal Periodic Review Process The Universal Periodic Review as Mechanism and Process Section I. How the Universal Periodic Review Works How the UPR Works for States How the UPR Works for National Human Rights Institutions How the UPR Works for Non-governmental Organisations Section II. What Has Been Learned? The Commonwealth Secretariat The Experience of a Small State What National Human Rights Institutions Can Do to Get the Most from the UPR What Civil Society Organisations Can Do to Get the Most from the UPR Section III. The First Year of the UPR: Analysis and Summary UPR Year One Analysis of Topics Raised Summary of Recommendations Annexes 1. Human Rights Council Resolution 5 / 1 2. General Guidelines for the Preparation of Information under the UPR 3. Guide to Best Practice Flowchart 4. Trust Funds 5. Information and Guidelines for Stakeholders on the UPR Mechanism 6. Different Methodologies Used by Commonwealth Countries in their National Consultation Processes 7. Ratifications of and Signatures to Key Human Rights Treaties by Commonwealth Countries in 2008 8. Composition of Commonwealth Delegations at UPR Sessions in 2008 9. Timetable of Commonwealth Countries Reporting in 2008 10. Models Applied by Commonwealth Countries in Responding to Recommendations 11. Notes on Contributors