About this guide
This guide is a call to action for civil society organizations (CSOs).
It offers practical, accessible steps for CSOs to engage in the UPR process. By leveraging this mechanism, CSOs can play a strategic role in pushing for systemic reforms that strengthen both governance and the protection of human rights.
Importantly, engaging with the UPR does not require starting from scratch. The recommendations emerging from the UPR offer an opportunity to strengthen and build upon existing anti-corruption initiatives. In many cases, UPR recommendations will align with ongoing priorities, such as promoting transparency, pushing for legal reforms, or protecting whistleblowers. Rather than viewing the UPR engagement as a separate activity, it should be integrated into the regular advocacy, public awareness, and accountability initiatives of anti-corruption organizations.
Now more than ever, we need to connect the dots and bridge the anti-corruption and human rights efforts. We cannot fight corruption without defending human rights, and we cannot defend human rights without addressing the corruption that undermines them. With this guide, we hope to support your efforts to bridge silos, build alliances, and drive meaningful change where it matters most: in people’s lives.
