NHRIs in the UPR: Highlights from the 51st Session
The 51st session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group took place from 19 to 30 January 2026 in Geneva, with 13 countries undergoing their periodic human rights reviews.
The Paris Principles recognise that engaging with international human rights mechanisms, including the UPR, can be an effective tool for National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in the promotion and protection of human rights domestically. NHRIs play a key bridging role between the national and international systems.
The 51st session underscored the continued importance of well-resourced and independent NHRIs in national human rights systems, with the Paris Principles consistently referenced as the standard for assessing institutional compliance.
Key themes and challenges across the reviews
The reviews covered a wide range of human rights challenges. Gender-based violence and the protection of women and girls were raised in most reviews, with delegations calling for stronger legal frameworks, survivor-centred services, and accountability.
Freedom of expression and civic space, including the safety of journalists and human rights defenders, were recurring themes in the reviews of Austria, Australia, Georgia, Lebanon, Mauritania, Nepal, Oman, and Rwanda.
Delegations also drew attention to the rights of persons with disabilities and the need to move from legislative commitments to effective implementation in practice. Climate change and its human rights implications were raised across many reviews, reflecting the growing recognition that environmental challenges and rights enjoyment are deeply interconnected.
Conditions of detention, prevention of torture, and the need for independent oversight mechanisms were flagged in several reviews, reinforcing the importance of effective safeguards and accountability within national justice systems.
Children’s rights and the protection of refugees, asylum seekers and migrant workers were also consistent subjects of recommendations across the session.
NHRIs recognised and strengthened
Several countries showcased their NHRIs’ work during national presentations.
Austria detailed recent reforms to the Austrian Ombudsman Board, including revised appointment procedures and public hearings. Australia highlighted its engagement with domestic stakeholders and civil society, including through the Australian Human Rights Commission. Mauritania acknowledged progress in strengthening its National Human Rights Commission as part of a broader National Human Rights Strategy adopted in 2023-2024. Nepal referenced plans to reinforce the independence and capacity of its National Human Rights Commission as part of broader institutional strengthening.
Oman reported on ongoing restructuring of the Oman Human Rights Commission, currently B-status, including efforts to align it more closely with the Paris Principles.
Georgia was also reviewed during the session, though no specific recommendations were made regarding the Public Defender’s Office.
NHRI-related recommendations across reviews
Member States made a range of recommendations concerning NHRIs across the reviews. In Saint Lucia‘s review, multiple delegations, including Palestine, South Africa, Spain, Togo, and Uruguay, recommended the establishment of an independent NHRI in full compliance with the Paris Principles. Saint Lucia acknowledged that work in this direction is underway but noted that resource constraints remain a significant obstacle.
For Oman, delegations including Greece and Gambia called for further steps to ensure the independence, compliance with the Paris Principles, and adequate resourcing of the country’s Human Rights Commission.
Rwanda received recommendations to strengthen its National Commission for Human Rights and reinforce its role as a National Preventive Mechanism under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT), including through regular visits and publication of findings.
Nepal was encouraged to ensure the independence and adequate resources of its National Human Rights Commission, while in Australia‘s review delegations called for increased funding for the Australian Human Rights Commission and an expanded mandate as National Preventive Mechanism under OPCAT.
As the outcome reports move toward formal adoption at the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council in June–July 2026, GANHRI will continue to support NHRIs in implementing UPR recommendations and strengthening their engagement with international human rights mechanisms. The session reaffirmed that well-resourced, independent NHRIs remain essential to translating international commitments into meaningful domestic action. GANHRI stands ready to assist member institutions in responding to recommendations and advancing their compliance with the Paris Principles
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Editorial note: The 51st session of the UPR Working Group reviewed the following thirteen countries: Australia, Austria, Georgia, Lebanon, Mauritania, the Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Nepal, Oman, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Sao Tome and Principe. The reports of the Working Group on all thirteen reviews were adopted on 30 January 2026. The outcome reports will be formally adopted by the plenary of the Human Rights Council at its 62nd regular session, scheduled for June–July 2026 (dates pending).
Further information and documentation are available on the OHCHR UPR page: https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/upr/upr-home