A Guide for Journalists: The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and Its Potential to Foster Freedom of Expression, Access to Information and Safety of Journalists

"...for journalists to be able to do their work and exercise their freedom of expression, it is important that the fundamental rights set out in international human rights law are respected in their countries."

This guide seeks to provide information to help improve press coverage of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a process for monitoring the protection and promotion of human rights established by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Among other rights, the UPR covers issues relating to the right to freedom of expression, the safety of journalists, and access to information. The purpose of the guide is to improve journalists' ability to inform the public, to a professional standard, about the various parts of the process and, in doing so, to increase the accountability of the various players involved in the review. At the same time, as journalists themselves are victims of human rights violations around the world, the guidelines are relevant to helping them understand how to report any violations of their freedom of expression and/or safety that might occur.

As defined in the guide, "the UPR is a process that involves a periodic review of the human rights records and commitments of all 193 UN Member States. The process is universal peer review which treats all countries equally. It provides an opportunity for all states to declare the measures they have taken to ensure and promote human rights. The UPR is also a platform for sharing best practices relating to human rights among the various actors concerned. At every UPR, the right to freedom of expression, access to information and the protection of journalists is a key issue that several countries consider when it comes to evaluating another state."  

The periodic review of human rights records and commitments is an important process in ensuring human rights are maintained and upheld, and journalists play a key part in this process. As explained in the guide, "In many cases, national governments have already accepted and recognized the fundamental human rights aspects that should apply within their jurisdictions. That said, they may not yet have been fully incorporated into national legislation or customary practice by the executive authorities, regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies or the courts." These shortcomings are highlighted by the review, which is based on various research reports and submissions by civil society, and journalists play an important part in creating awareness of the progress made and challenges remaining.   

The guide consists of the following sections:  

What Is the Universal Periodic Review (UPR)? - defines the UPR process and offers a brief overview of how it works.  

Why Is It Important to Cover the UPR Process? - outlines why media coverage is an important part of the UPR process and to realising the potential that can lead to greater respect, protection, and fulfilment of human rights.

Who Is Involved in the Process? - explains how the UPR of each state is based primarily on three reports that form the cornerstone of the Review, which journalists should study in depth.

The Phases of the Universal Periodic Review: Advice on How to Prepare Better Coverage - looks at the three phases of the UPR process - before, during, and after the review - and offers guidance on what journalists should do at each step to make their job easier and ensure greater impact.

Other Specific Elements for Improving UPR Coverage - offers further steps that journalists can take before, during, and after the UPR process to improve coverage.

How Can Journalists Use the UPR to Protect Their Rights and Safety? - looks at how, in addition to covering the process, journalists can use the UPR to protect their own rights by including their issues, allegations of harassment, and main concerns in the UPR report submitted by civil society.

When and Where? - provides guidance for media professionals on where and when to find UPR-related information to follow up on.

Keeping It Alive - explores the crucial role of the press in providing coverage, continuity, and follow-up around the UPR process in order to keep the process alive and relevant.