The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a process through which all UN Member States are provided the opportunity to review the human rights records of all other Member States.  At the same time, each State under review has the opportunity to report on human rights conditions within their own borders, including actions that have been taken to address concerns detailed by other States.  The United States is a strong supporter of the UPR process, which provides a unique avenue for the global community to discuss human rights around the world.

Individual countries are scheduled for review every four and a half years.  The United States underwent its third review in 2020. UPR sessions take place in Geneva three times a year and are orchestrated by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights starting from a report submitted by the national government of the country under review.  Previous UPR reports submitted by the United States Government reflect significant interagency input, as well as consideration of information collected via consultations with civil society and the American public.

U.S. Department of State

The Lessons of 1989: Freedom and Our Future