The scholars studying how states review each other.
The UPR Academic Network (UPRAN) connects researchers and academics working on the UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review — from PhD candidates to leading scholars — to share expertise, publish work, and build collaborations across borders and disciplines.
Recent work from the network
The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights Prevention, Mitigation, Remedies and Redress
Robin Ramcharan — Routledge, 2025
This book systematically documents the practice of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) on the protection of human rights. It takes note of the AICHR's engagement with the Universal Periodic Review. Overall, it provides a template of universal standards, spanning prevention, response and mitigation, and redress and remedies, from which to gauge the performance of the AICHR. The evidence points to a Commission that leaves much to be desired and whose protective function needs significant improvement. Nevertheless, the National Representatives of Member States to the AICHR have taken important and positive steps that lay the groundwork for a more protection-oriented Commission. The work offers avenues for the National Representatives, the ASEAN Member States and civil society to enhance the protection function of the AICHR and to thus more closely align it with hard-won international standards and best practices. The book will be of interest to representatives of the AICHR, human rights practitioners, ASEAN policymakers, and academics, students, researchers and policymakers in the areas of international relations, human rights law and Asian studies.
National Human Rights Protection Systems in Asia and the Pacific
Robin Ramcharan — Brill, 2023
This chapter explores the development of national human rights protection systems across all of the countries of Asia and the Pacific in accordance with international human rights standards. It is based on documents emanating from the Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council.
Empowering Civil Society Organisations at the UPR - Strengthening Implementation of Recommendations from the UN's Universal Periodic Review
Alice Storey & Melisa Oleschuk — Funded by the British Academy and Leverhulme Trust, 2024
The aim of this study is to empower civil society organisations when engaging with the UPR, in turn strengthening the domestic implementation of UPR recommendations. Using an online survey and semi-structured interviews, a significant dataset has been created, detailing experiences of civil society organisations (CSOs) that take part in the UPR. This novel work is important because CSOs play a substantial role in advocating for human rights and holding governments to account, particularly through the UPR. By understanding their experiences of engaging with the UPR process, challenges can be identified alongside opportunities for improvement. Empowering these organisations can lead to more effective monitoring and implementation of UPR recommendations at the national level, which will improve human rights on the ground. Ultimately, this study aims to contribute to a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive human rights system that benefits individuals and communities worldwide.
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