Solidarity & Unity contributes to the United Nations Universal Periodic Review through independent research and civil society stakeholder submissions.
The Universal Periodic Review is a United Nations human rights mechanism through which the human rights record of every UN Member State is periodically reviewed.
The process provides an important opportunity for civil society organisations to submit information on human rights developments, identify gaps in the implementation of national and international commitments, and propose recommendations for consideration during the review.
Solidarity & Unity prepares civil society stakeholder contributions for selected countries undergoing the Universal Periodic Review. Our work examines the relationship between human rights commitments, national legislation, public policies and experiences on the ground — and translates findings into focused, practical recommendations.
Our areas of focus are determined by the context of each country and the availability of credible evidence.
Our UPR contributions are developed through desk research, legal and policy analysis, and review of relevant human rights documentation and available evidence. Where appropriate, we also seek perspectives from civil society actors, researchers and individuals with relevant expertise.
We review previous UPR recommendations, international human rights documentation, national legislation, policies, reports and other relevant sources.
We examine progress, continuing challenges and possible gaps between commitments and implementation.
Findings are developed into concise stakeholder submissions in accordance with the requirements of the UPR process.
We formulate practical and evidence-based recommendations aimed at strengthening human rights protection and implementation.
Human rights are ultimately experienced in everyday life. Laws and policies alone do not always reveal whether rights are effectively protected in practice.
Civil society can help bridge this gap by bringing independent evidence, lived experiences and perspectives that may otherwise receive insufficient attention into international human rights processes. Through our UPR work, Solidarity & Unity aims to help connect these realities with international dialogue and accountability.
As submissions and related publications become available, they will be published here. Each country page will provide information on the relevant UPR cycle, the areas covered by our contribution and available publications.
Interested in which country or theme we're currently researching? Get in touch — we're happy to share where things stand.
