Report

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) holds a unique role and space in the human rights
system. This report provides an overview of how sexual rights have been addressed through the
second cycle of the UPR—by CSOs (particularly those SRI partnered with on stakeholder
submissions), states under review (SuR) (in their national reports, and in their responses to
the recommendations they receive) by recommending states, and to a lesser extent by the
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in its preparation of summary
reports. The report attempts to uncover trends and developments which can be useful for
state and non-state sexual and reproductive rights and health (SRHR) advocates in their
future engagement with the UPR.

In his Preliminary observations during a Country visit to Croatia from 28 November to 6 December 2016, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, Mr. Dainius Pūras, recognized the importance of sexual rights stating “…I would like to underline that sexual and reproductive health rights are human rights.

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a unique mechanism established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2006. This mechanism facilitates the review of the fulfilment by each United Nations Member State of its human rights obligations and commitments, with its full involvement, and with the objective of improving the human rights situation on the ground. The outcome of the review is a set of recommendations made to the State under Review (SuR) by reviewing States, the response of the SuR to each recommendation, as well as any voluntary commitments made by it during the review.