US Mission Geneva

On November 5, 2010, the United States will present its first national report under the Universal Periodic Review before the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The United States believes the Universal Periodic Review is a positive contribution to the international human rights agenda and an essential component of the Human Rights Council. The UPR process can be improved to fulfill its potential to promote and protect human rights. The United States proposes several improvements to the UPR process.

The report stands as just one element of the U.S. effort to engage broadly and constructively with the UN and other international organizations. The review, which has featured an unprecedented level of consultation and engagement with civil society across the country, provides an opportunity to reflect on our human rights record and we hope will serve as an example for other countries on how to conduct a thorough, transparent, and credible UPR presentation.

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a unique process which involves a review of the human rights records of all 192 UN Member States once every four years.  The review of the United States will be in November 2010. As part of its preparation, the Department of State, with other federal agencies, has been conducting [...]