A four days work shop on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the United Nations Human Rights Records is currently underway at the Heritage hotel.
The review is a unique process which involves a periodic review of the human rights records of all 193 United Nation Member States.
The UPR is a significant innovation of the Human Rights Council which is based on equal treatment for all countries.
It provides an opportunity for all States to declare actions they have taken to improve the human rights situations in their countries and to overcome challenges to the enjoyment of human rights.
Solomon Islands reported to the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in 2011 and is preparing for its second cycle review in Jan-Feb 2015.
Solomon Islands presented its first report at the sixth meeting of the 11th session in 2011 led by the then Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka. Solomon Islands was then given 115 recommendations from various countries to address in terms of the implementation or progress of implementation of its human rights obligations.
The ultimate goal of UPR is the improvement of the human rights situation in every country with significant consequences for people around the globe.
The UPR is designed to prompt, support, and expand the promotion and protection of human rights on the ground.
To achieve this, the UPR involves assessing States’ human rights records and addressing human rights violations wherever they occur.
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 provision of UPR technical advice in the Pacific is provided by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community Regional Rights Resource Team (SPC RRRT).
The workshop is organized by the Solomon Islands Government and is supported by OHCHR, PIFS & SPC RRRT
The workshop provides information on the second round of the UPR process, technicalities, new developments and reporting guidelines. It also provides an opportunity for government and NGOs to reflect on the UPR process, key challenges, achievements and progress to date.
Following the review by the working Group, a report will be prepared by the troika with the involvement of the State under review and assistance from the OHCHR.
This report, referred to as the “outcome report”, provides a summary of the actual discussion. It therefore consists of the questions, comments and recommendations made by States to the country under review, as well as the responses by the reviewed State.
The four day workshop was formally opened by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Mr. Beraki Jino.
Press Release: GCU