Universal Periodic ReviewKnowledge Hub

Explore examples, resources and practices to advance the implementation of recommendations emanating from the UPR

UNICEF, UNDP, EU support to Montenegro's advancement in implementing UPR and TB recommendations

UNICEF, jointly with UNDP and the European Union, supported the efforts of the Government of Montenegro to advance the recommendations of the universal periodic review and the treaty bodies, focusing on child welfare and child protection systems, which had resulted in reforms to the social welfare and childcare system, with a social inclusion perspective. A new law on social and child protection was adopted, prohibiting the institutionalization of children under 3 years of age and providing that the institutionalization of children must be used as a last resort. Other outcomes included the establishment of an institute for social and child protection, a new case management system, the reform of the national centres for social work (responsible for the well-being of over 18,000 children with various vulnerability profiles) and the development of services aimed at minimizing recourse to childcare institutions. As a result, between 2010 and 2019, the number of children placed in institutional care declined by 50 per cent, and by 2017 no child under the age of 3 was in institutional care.

Development cooperation aligned with UPR recommendations: Examples of Thailand

Thailand described the approaches of the Thailand International Cooperation Agency, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The mission of the agency, based on development diplomacy and global partnerships, has engendered South-South cooperation with countries members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and with countries in South Asia, Africa and Latin America, focusing on sharing knowledge, experience and good practices in socioeconomic development, science, technology, education, agriculture, public health and culture, in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The submission referred to development cooperation projects implemented by the Thailand International Cooperation Agency, in alignment with universal periodic review recommendations, notably: in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in the area of justice, which led to the establishment of an administrative court chamber; in Cambodia and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in the area of public health, leading to the development of a response to outbreaks of communicable and emerging diseases; in Bhutan, in the area of infrastructure and capacity-building, leading to improved access to medical services; in Kenya, at the request of the Government, technical support to develop universal health coverage; in Burundi and Senegal, knowledge, innovation and technology sharing on health services for persons with disabilities; in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Maldives, in the area of inclusive education; and in Myanmar, assistance in the area of agriculture to enhance preparedness and capacity to facilitate voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees and internally displaced persons. Thailand underscored the relevance of triangular cooperation in cooperation with agencies and development partners to mobilize resources and share expertise and knowledge. In conjunction with the United States Agency for International Development, Thailand has implemented programmes focused on public health, namely malaria eradication, HIV-related stigma and discrimination reduction and preparedness for emerging and re-emerging diseases. In cooperation with the Asia-Pacific Development Centre on Disability, the Government provided technical assistance through capacity-building on disability inclusive development and disability inclusive disaster risk reduction to seven member States of ASEAN.

Enhancement of Technical Cooperation and Capacity Building in the Field of Human Rights: Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, as one of the founding members of the Human Rights Council, has consistently supported its role as a credible and responsive global human rights body. On 14 November 2023, during the 44th session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, Azerbaijan’s fourth periodic report was considered. The Azerbaijani model of multiculturalism and its promotion of intercultural and interreligious dialogue were highlighted, along with its active chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). In its role as NAM Chair, Azerbaijan has promoted the right to development and supported the achievement of the SDGs globally, emphasizing the importance of technical cooperation and capacity building measures initiated by OHCHR. It stressed that advisory services and technical assistance should be tailored to national needs and aligned with UPR recommendations. Recognizing the challenges faced by Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in engaging with the HRC and implementing recommendations, Azerbaijan made a voluntary contribution to the Perez Guerrero Trust Fund through OHCHR in 2023. That same year, it donated $123,235 to UN CERF, $2 million to UNRWA, $1 million to UN-Habitat, $5,000 to the Perez Guerrero Trust Fund, and $26,000 to OHCHR. During its 2019–2023 chairmanship, Azerbaijan also provided COVID-19-related support to over 80 countries and launched two Global Calls to support post-pandemic recovery in Africa and SIDS.

SIMORE Paraguay Technical Cooperation Program for the Establishment of National Mechanisms for Implementation, Reporting and Follow-up of Human Rights Recommendations

The SIMORE Paraguay Technical Cooperation Program, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Paraguay, aims to support the establishment of National Mechanisms for Implementation, Reporting and Follow-up (NMIRF) of human rights recommendations. Based on Paraguay’s experience with the SIMORE Plus system, the program has been implemented in several Latin American countries and is expanding. It includes technical visits, software provision, and the creation of a network of focal points to ensure sustainability. The program promotes a human rights-based approach, transparency, and accountability, contributing to SDG 16 and aligning recommendations with the 2030 Agenda. Its simple methodology and low cost make it highly replicable. Key lessons include the importance of political commitment, inter-institutional coordination, and continuous training. The program has strengthened institutional capacities, improved reporting efficiency, and enhanced civil society engagement.

Ecuador: Information System on Human Rights – SIDERECHOS

In response to recommendations from the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), Ecuador developed the SIDERECHOS system in 2012 with support from the OHCHR. Launched in 2014, the system compiles national and international human rights standards, reports, and recommendations into an accessible platform. It supports the monitoring and implementation of human rights obligations and facilitates coordination among State institutions. The system includes four main sections: standards finder, library, reporting under construction, and recommendation monitoring. Despite challenges in updating and maintaining the system due to limited resources, SIDERECHOS has significantly improved efficiency in reporting and inter-institutional coordination. The Ministry of Women and Human Rights continues to work with OHCHR to institutionalize and strengthen the system, aiming to ensure sustainability and replicability. The initiative contributes to SDGs 16 and 17 and reflects a human rights-based approach with inclusive participation and accountability.

Venezuela example of technical cooperation with the OHCHR to follow up on the UPR

The document outlines Venezuela’s experience on technical cooperation conducted with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) from 2019 to February 2024, in accordance with Human Rights Council Resolution A/HRC/54/28. It details the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding prioritizing nine areas of human rights work, including institutional strengthening, follow-up on Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations, and legislative technical assistance. Activities described include training sessions, implementation of follow-up mechanisms, and cooperation with treaty bodies. The document also addresses challenges faced, methodologies used, benefits achieved, and recommendations for other Member States. It highlights contributions to SDGs 16 and 17 and lists the thematic areas addressed during Venezuela’s most recent UPR cycle.

UNDP and OHCHR on Strengthening the Rule of Law and Human Rights Protection in Uzbekistan

This submission presents two complementary technical cooperation and capacity-building initiatives led by UNDP and OHCHR in Uzbekistan, aimed at implementing Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations related to gender equality and the rights of persons with disabilities.

Gender Equality and Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW) Project Title: Strengthening the Rule of Law and Human Rights Protection in Uzbekistan Partners: UNDP, OHCHR, Ombudsperson Office, Civil Society UPR Recommendations Addressed: 101.174, 101.188, 101.181, 101.184, 101.166 SDG Contribution: SDG 5 – Gender Equality

Key Activities:

Legal analysis and reform proposals on divorce cases involving domestic violence.
Training for secondary free legal aid providers on gender-sensitive legal aid.

Legislative outcomes:

Adoption of the Presidential Decree simplifying divorce procedures for victims of domestic violence.
Entry into force of the Law on Strengthening the Protection System for Women and Children (April 2023).
Amendments to the Criminal Code and Code of Administrative Liability to address domestic violence.

These efforts aimed to align national legislation with CEDAW standards and improve access to justice for women and girls.

Disability Rights Training Title: Protecting and Promoting Rights of People with Disabilities Partners: UNDP, OHCHR, Ombudsperson Office, Civil Society UPR Recommendations Addressed: 101.198, 101.199 SDG Contribution: SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities

Key Activities:

Training held on 8–9 November 2023 to build capacity among Ombudsperson staff and civil society representatives.
Focus on international standards, accessibility, and the role of the Ombudsman.
Participation of an OHCHR expert from Moldova to share good practices.
Gender integration: 30% of participants were women.
Dissemination of training materials and recommendations for broader inclusion of persons with disabilities in future activities.

This initiative supported Uzbekistan’s commitment following its ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2021.

These activities demonstrate effective, inclusive, and replicable models of technical cooperation supporting human rights implementation in Uzbekistan.

UN Women on Technical Cooperation

UN Women applies a human rights-based approach guided by the principle of leaving no one behind, as outlined in its Strategic Plan 2022–2025. With a normative, operational, and coordination mandate dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women, UN Women supports national capacity development and the use of international norms and standards, particularly those related to women’s human rights such as the CEDAW Convention.

UN Women’s technical cooperation activities include:

Capacity building and training on CEDAW and women’s human rights for government officials, gender advocates, and stakeholders in countries including Indonesia, Liberia, Mexico, Sudan, and Timor-Leste.
Support for ratification of the CEDAW Convention in the State of Palestine and South Sudan.
Support for reporting to the CEDAW Committee in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Timor-Leste, State of Palestine, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Albania, and Nepal.
Preparation for constructive dialogue with the CEDAW Committee through mock sessions in Kyrgyzstan and South Africa.
Follow-up to recommendations from the CEDAW Committee and UPR, including integration into national laws, policies, and programmes in Albania, Argentina, Bolivia, Moldova, Vietnam, Uruguay, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Jordan, Nepal, Serbia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Brazil.
Implementation of SDGs using recommendations from CEDAW and other mechanisms in Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, and Uruguay.
Engagement with the UPR to strengthen gender perspectives in Albania and Liberia.
Support for Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council, including a study tour with the Special Rapporteur on violence against women in Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Lebanon: Technical Cooperation and Capacity-Building Activities

This joint submission from the Lebanese Army and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants outlines Lebanon’s efforts to enhance technical cooperation and capacity-building in line with recommendations from the Universal Periodic Review (UPR).

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants: Lebanon reaffirms its commitment to international human rights treaties, including the UDHR, ICCPR, ICESCR, CAT, CEDAW, CRC, and others. The government actively engages with international bodies to adopt good practices and implement treaty obligations. Key initiatives include:

Establishing complaint mechanisms and human rights offices within the Internal Security Forces.
Creating a committee to combat torture and updating SOPs for internal security.
Separating juveniles and women in detention and monitoring their conditions.
Launching a hotline for domestic violence cases and issuing memoranda on combating human trafficking.
Providing training for internal security staff and contributing to national and international human rights reports.
Coordinating with CSOs and international organizations to uphold human rights standards.

Lebanese Army: The Army prioritizes human rights and the implementation of UPR recommendations. Key actions include:

Establishing a department for IHL and HR laws and integrating these into military training and curricula.
Appointing legal advisors for military operations and producing training materials.
Collaborating with OHCHR and international organizations for workshops and accountability initiatives.
Ensuring legal procedures in detentions, maintaining transparency of detention facilities, and allowing visits by relevant organizations.
Monitoring detainee health and implementing SOPs for detention staff.
Creating a complaint mechanism for detainees and improving prison conditions through contingency planning and medical care.
Supporting efforts to combat poverty and rehabilitate infrastructure.

Maldives: Technical Cooperation and Capacity-Building Activities in the Implementation of UPR Recommendations

This submission outlines three key technical cooperation and capacity-building activities undertaken by the Maldives with support from UN OHCHR to implement recommendations from the Third Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in 2020. These activities focus on strengthening the Maldives' National Mechanism for Implementation, Reporting and Follow-up (NMIRF):

Experience Sharing Workshop (23 June 2023): Maldives participated in a UN OHCHR seminar to exchange good practices and challenges in managing NMIRFs. The session facilitated dialogue among States and NHRIs on effective engagement with UN Treaty Bodies.

Development of Standard Operating Procedures (2022–2023): OHCHR provided technical support to draft and finalize three Terms of Reference (TORs) and one Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Maldives NMIRF. These documents define the structure and responsibilities of NMIRF committees and subcommittees, aiming to ensure clarity, sustainability, and systematic engagement with human rights mechanisms.

Training Sessions for NMIRF Members (2023–2024): A series of five online training sessions were conducted to build the capacity of NMIRF members. The sessions focused on enhancing coordination, stakeholder consultation, engagement with human rights mechanisms, and data management.

These activities respond to UPR recommendations 133.43, 133.44, 133.50, and 133.60, and contribute to strengthening national human rights institutions and mechanisms. The submission highlights the relevance, effectiveness, sustainability, and replicability of these practices.

Practices

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About the UPR Knowledge Hub

What we do

The UPR Hub is a new initiative mandated by Human Rights Council Resolution 54/28 aimed at enhancing human rights technical cooperation and capacity-building support, in consultation with and with the consent of the States concerned.

This is an online platform managed by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. It collects voluntary submissions on technical cooperation and capacity-building activities related to the implementation of UPR recommendations and promotes peer learning and support among States and stakeholders.

The UPR Hub facilitates bilateral, regional, multilateral, and international cooperation—including bilateral human rights dialogues, North-South, South-South, and triangular cooperation, as well as public-private partnerships—to assist States in implementing their human rights obligations, voluntary pledges, and commitments.

Tracking progress on the effectiveness of UPR recommendations

The UPR implementation tracker is a pilot project that aims to track implementation of UPR recommendations globally. In the current piloting phase, the tracker contains recommendations on selected key human rights themes such as ratification of UN human rights treaties, the abolition of the death penalty and progress in establishing National Human Rights Institutions.

The thematic recommendations used in the tracker are generated from the Universal Human Rights Index Database. Only recommendations that are supported by States under review are considered.

The tracker does not provide an exhaustive state of affairs regarding human rights progress in the selected themes and should always be used in complementarity with other available tools for tracking progress in the implementation of UPR recommendations.

In addition to the country‑specific information, the tool offers the possibility for a dynamic experience through the visualised data in the form of various maps, graphs and charts.