Vision and Mission
UPR Info is an international non-profit and non-governmental organisation based in Geneva, Switzerland. It was established in 2008 and has Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
UPR Info takes its name from the process established on 15 March 2006 by the UN General Assembly resolution 60/251: The Universal Periodic Review (UPR). This unique mechanism consists of a review, carried out by the Human Rights Council (HRC), of the human rights records of all UN Member States.
UPR Info was founded in response to the creation of the UPR to provide information on the mechanism and foster transparency by providing free access to UPR recommendations through our organisation’s database.
Originally, UPR Info focused its work on supporting Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). In 2012, it developed an advocacy platform, the Pre-sessions, to reinforce the voice of CSOs during the UPR interactive dialogue. The Pre-sessions are now recognised as one of the most important human rights advocacy platforms at the international level.
At the end of 2017, UPR Info initiated a change in its approach. It moved from a stage of raising awareness on the mechanism to strengthening the capacity of a wider range of UPR stakeholders.
In 2019 UPR Info's work was awarded the Democracy and Human Rights Prize by the Parliament of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation
While continuing to support CSOs to engage in the UPR process, and recognising that the primary responsibility to respect, protect and fulfil human rights lies with the States, UPR Info acts on the premise that the effective implementation of UPR recommendations requires actions at different levels.
It is on this basis that UPR Info supports the engagement in the UPR process of Governments, UN entities, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), Parliamentarians, the Judiciary, Academia, media representatives, youth-led and youth-focused organisations.
Our vision
An inclusive society promoting universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without discrimination.
Guiding Principles
Universality
UPR Info wholeheartedly affirms the universality of human rights, and deems essential the universal coverage and equal treatment of all issues, countries, and stakeholders.
Ownership
UPR Info is convinced that transformative human rights progress is reliant upon ownership, and empowered national stakeholders with strong capacities aligning their goals and efforts to achieve tangible change on the ground.
Transparency
At UPR Info, we are committed to employ and promote the highest standards of transparency, both internally and externally. We commit to the transparency of our organisational working methods, strive to promote the transparency of States during the Review and Implementation phases of the UPR, and work diligently to make the modalities and developments of the UPR mechanism transparent to all stakeholders.
Inclusiveness
Through our work both online and offline, we strive to continuously increase the quantity, diversity, accessibility, and active participation of all stakeholders in the UPR process. The UPR is everyone's concern and responsibility.
Impartiality
We hold central the tenet of impartiality, which underpins our unique capacity to act as a neutral facilitator to support the cooperative development of the UPR mechanism through objective, reliable information, and interactive dialogue.
