International Relations
In News: Sri Lanka has concluded its Review under the 4th Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Geneva
Universal Periodic Review
- The Universal Periodic Review was established by the General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA) in 2006
- It is a State-driven voluntary peer-review process which provides the opportunity for each State to declare the steps taken at the national level to improve the human rights situation at that State and to fulfil their human rights obligations.
- The goal of UPR is the improvement of the human rights situation in every country
- The UPR also aims to provide technical assistance to States and enhance their capacity to deal effectively with human rights challenges and to share best practices in the field of human rights among States and other stakeholders.
- The reviews are conducted by the UPR Working Group which consists of the 47 members of the Council
- Any UN Member State can take part in the discussion/dialogue with the reviewed States.
- Each State review is assisted by groups of three States, known as “troikas”, who serve as rapporteurs.
- The selection of the troikas for each State is done through a drawing of lots following elections for the Council membership in the General Assembly.
Sources: Newsonair
