Sexual Rights & The Universal Periodic Review: A Toolkit for Advocates

The UPR mechanism of the United Nations Human Rights Council is used to review each of the 193 Member States of the UN on its entire human rights record every four and a half years. Although relatively new, it is a powerful tool to hold governments accountable for sexual and reproductive rights violations, and to advocate for changes to particular laws and policies that impact on human rights related to sexuality.

This innovative toolkit was developed as part of an ongoing collaboration between IPPF and SRI to advance sexual rights and reproductive rights through the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process.

This toolkit is designed to assist Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to bring their knowledge, expertise and experiences to an international forum which can influence the realization of human rights where it matters most, in the daily life of individuals in your country. CSOs do not need to have in-depth knowledge of the UN system or human rights law in order to participate effectively with the UPR. Knowledge and experience of national laws and policies that affect sexual rights in your country enables CSOs to participate meaningfully in the UPR because the UPR is all about the human rights situations inside the country being reviewed.

This toolkit will provide you with practical information on the UPR including:

  • How to participate in the UPR
  • Why the UPR can be important for your sexual rights advocacy
  • Helpful tips to maximize your advocacy throughout the process from sexual rights advocates who are already participating in the UPR
  • A guide to navigate your country’s UPR cycle so that you can decide how and when to engage

The toolkit is also available: en Español; en Français; em Português (courtesy of UNFPA-Mozambique) and in Arabic.