North Macedonia is delivering this Statement on behalf of … states from all Regional Groups in the UN, which are listed as annex to the Statement.
As we mark the 20th anniversary of the Human Rights Council, we reaffirm the contribution of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) as a unique, universal peer-review mechanism focused on monitoring and improving the human rights situation on the ground.
We welcome that more than 90 countries have already submitted mid-term reports on their implementation of the accepted UPR recommendations and encourage all states to do so. These contribute to continuous monitoring of human rights commitments between reviews, help assess progress and identify gaps, and promote accountability and peer learning.
We welcome the contributions by states to the Voluntary Fund for Participation in the Universal Periodic Review, which supports universality of coverage and equal treatment of all countries.
We particularly acknowledge the support provided through the Voluntary Fund to facilitate the participation of women, as well as the implementation of a series of capacity-building activities aimed at enhancing the engagement of civil society organizations and strengthening the capacities of women human rights defenders in monitoring and documenting human rights violations.
However, challenges persist with the implementation of supported UPR recommendations. We welcome the efforts of the OHCHR to assist member states as they seek to address the recommendations from the UPR. A gender-responsive approach was applied throughout the process regarding civil society participation and gender inclusiveness.
Civic space and participation are crucial to the effectiveness of the UPR. Restrictions on civic space can limit the ability of civil society organizations to engage safely and meaningfully with United Nations human rights mechanisms. These pressures are not gender-neutral. Actors working on women’s rights and gender equality, including women human rights defenders, often face attacks and exclusion that can reduce the visibility of gender-specific concerns in the UPR. We encourage States and all relevant stakeholders to strengthen a gender-responsive approach throughout the UPR cycle. We urge all states to refrain from any kind of intimidation or reprisals, whether online or offline, for cooperating with the UPR process.
We also stress the importance of addressing the impact of the digital environment and emerging technologies, including AI, within the future development of the UPR process, as these may adversely affect and further constrain the space for independent voices and meaningful civic participation. At the same time, digital technologies and AI can also enhance the UPR process by fostering synergies with other UN mechanisms and strengthening the effectiveness of the review process.
We call upon states to make efforts to uphold, strengthen and support the mission of the UPR mechanism. Eventual action as mentioned in this statement will also add to the HRC’s credibility and its performance as a key feature of the UN HR system.