Universal Periodic Review

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a process established to review adherence of all 192 member states to their human rights obligations set out in inter alia, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and various conventions, treaties, and human rights instruments. The review is conducted every four years by the UPR Working Group, which consists of the 47-members of the Human Rights Council. Iran was reviewed on 15 February 2010.

The State under review usually submits a self-assessment, or national report, of its human rights situation. Two reports that compile human rights reports and issues are also submitted by the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR), as well as members of civil society. The State under review then take part in an interactive dialogue with the UPR Working Group during a three-hour meeting. An outcome report containing a summary of the interaction and recommendations issued by the UN Member States.

Please view our UPRIran website for a more detailed look at Iran’s performance: English or Persian

Featured, UPR 2nd Cycle (2014)

UPR Follow-up Report on Implementation

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The UPR is a human rights mechanism uniquely favored by many member states, including the Islamic Republic of Iran. Indeed, Iran has stated that the UPR is the “most pertinent, effective and trustful UN mechanism for the review of human rights situation of all States.” Iran’s approach to the UPR, however, raises questions about its level of commitment to the mechanism, as well as to upholding its international human rights obligations overall.

The UPR is a dynamic process through which any UN member state, as a peer, can propose recommendations to a “State under review” on how to best advance human rights in their respective countries. Recommendations accepted by the state then become a framework for its promotion of human rights, as well as for stakeholders to dialogue with the state and measure its progress.

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