The SRI works at the UN Universal Periodic Review by collaborating with national and regional organisations and coalitions on stakeholder submissions. These submissions touch on a number of different sexual and reproductive health and rights issues affecting the country under review, such as abortion, sex work, access to contraception, and rights related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression.

The UPR provides an opportunity for civil society organisations (CSOs) to engage in advocacy at the United Nations. CSOs can submit stakeholder submissions advocating for improved human rights conditions in their country, including on issues of sexual and reproductive health and rights.

 

The Universal Periodic Review: A Powerful Tool for Advancing Sexual Rights

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights trends at the Universal Periodic Review

 

Our Work at the UPR

Recent content
HRC 58: Joint Statement on the adoption of the UPR of Ethiopia
While progress has been made, significant gaps remain in ensuring equitable access to youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and services. Many adolescents and young people, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas, continue to face barriers such as inadequate health infrastructure, shortages of trained healthcare providers, and financial constraints that prevent them from accessing essential services.
HRC 58: IYAFP- RDC and SRI Statement to the adoption of the UPR of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
We call on the international community to support the DRC's efforts to build institutional capacity, raise community awareness and ensure access to affordable and quality reproductive health services. These measures will help to reduce maternal mortality, promote gender equality and respect women's rights.
HRC 58: Gender Alliance for Development Center and SRI Statement on the UPR Adoption of Albania
Despite policy advancements in Albania, significant gaps remain in the protection and support of workers, particularly women in rural areas. Labour rights violations persist, especially for women who face systemic barriers to employment and economic security. Whilst the government adopted the National Strategy for Employment and Skills (2023–2030), rural women remain disproportionately excluded from the workforce​. Limited access to childcare, a lack of vocational training, and deep-rooted gender norms restrict their participation, leaving them vulnerable to poverty and economic dependence.
2024 In Review, What’s ahead for 2025
In 2024, we deepened our work on the political economy of sexual rights and on linking the impacts of various global crises, the unequal power relations between the Global North and the Global South, and the harmful excesses of unbridled capitalism to the full realisation of rights for the global majority.

 

UPR Database

UPR Database

The UPR Database, a project of the SRI, allows you to access and search all the sexual rights related recommendations and references made during the Universal Periodic Review.

Consult the database.

 

What is the Universal Periodic Review?

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is an intergovernmental process in which each of the 193 UN Member States is reviewed on their entire human rights record every four and a half years. The UPR highlights actions that countries need to take to fulfil their agreed human rights obligations—these actions are presented as recommendations that states must accept or note.

Explainer on Terminology

  • Accepted Recommendation: The state under review agrees to implement the recommendation
  • Deferred Recommendation: The state under review will announce in [later] if it agrees to implement the recommendation
  • Noted Recommendation: The state under review does not agree to implement the recommendation

To learn more about the Universal Periodic Review, please visit its website or watch this video produced by UPR-Info.