Freedom of Expression and the Universal Periodic Review

This guide aims to provide information to help improve press coverage of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on issues relating to the right to freedom of expression, the safety of journalists and access to information with the purpose of improving their ability to inform the public, to a professional standard, about the various parts of the process and, in doing so, increase the accountability of the various players involved in the review.

This note provides suggestions for Member States on how to word the recommendations for the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in the field of freedom of expression, safety of journalists and access to information. The background and recommendations below can also assist UN Country Teams, National Human Rights institutions (NHRIs) and civil society in relation to UPR submissions and follow up.

These guidelines build upon a joint Amnesty-UNESCO survey of more than 70 civil society respondents from different regions; a series of consultation webinars held between March and June 2022; and comprehensive interviews with civil society organizations from different regions. The survey, available in several languages, measured the level of engagement of civil society with the UPR; coordination between organizations; planning for advocacy and follow up; and enquired about the key challenges and needs for NGOs to effectively contribute to the process.

This document is a part of a joint project between Amnesty International and UNESCO to provide guidance to civil society on advancing freedom of expression, safety of journalists and access to information when engaging with the UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR). We recommend that you first read the companion document The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and its potential to foster freedom of expression, access to information and safety of journalists: Guidelines for civil society organizations if you are not familiar with the UPR process, or would like to refresh your knowledge, as it will help you understand some of the terms and processes referred to here.

The daily groundwork of UN Country Teams involves an ongoing dialogue with States, and with broad sectors of society. As such, UNCTs are well-placed to bring a variety of social actors together to advance on national commitments, including those related to information, freedom of expression and the safety of journalists. These Guidelines were designed specifically for them by a former UN Resident coordinator and aim at maximizing the use of the UPR at the country level by providing practical examples for engaging with the UPR prior, during and after the review. 

Information Commissioners can provide inputs to the UPR, and they are directly implicated when there are recommendations, accepted by the Member State concerned, about strengthening the right to information in that country. These new guidelines are custom-made for Information Commissioners, Ombudspersons, and any other regulatory authorities, including transparency councils or -boards, engaged in protecting, promoting, and ensuring implementation of access to public information legislation.  

Involving NHRIs in the UPR process from the outset increases the potential of implementation of recommended actions domestically. Their participation in the UPR also highlights their role as stakeholders in strengthening respect for human rights at the national level, both by monitoring and assisting governments in upholding their international human rights obligations.

These Guidelines have been specifically designed for NHRIs to maximize the use of the UPR at the country level. They provide practical examples for engaging with the UPR prior to, during and after the review.