‘The Universal Periodic Review does not change state behaviour’. Discuss with relation to both Australia’s Universal Periodic Review in 2011, and the lead-up to Australia’s Universal
Periodic Review in 2015.
The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a monitoring mechanism by the United Nations that aims to promote a universal approach and fair approach in the review of each country’s human rights position1. In January of 2011, Australia was subject to the UPR review and numerous recommendations were made to the country in areas including indigenous issues and treatment of asylum seekers. The current UPR system does very little to effect state behaviour. Using Australia as case study, this essay identifies that the UPR system provides a lot …show more content…
The UPR is designed to be an innovative mechanism promoting and protecting human rights within the states of the UN10. It also a useful tool in analysing the human rights situations in states, which otherwise would not have been done, in a transparent, universal, non-selective and objective manner10. The long standing North-South differences is always going to lead to different interpretations and displayed behaviour towards human rights and the UPR recommendations11. However, the Human Rights Council believes that UPR has led to unique success towards the universal progression of human rights7. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights describes the UPR mechanism as contributing to opening up unprecedented opportunities to begin or strengthen dialogue and cooperation of human rights with all countries and at all levels7. The 2014 progress report on the Australia’s UPR prepared by the Australian Council of Human Rights Authorities, outlines that there have been positive developments regarding the protection of human rights in Australia since beginning the UPR in 2011. These developments include achievements such as the continued rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and launch of Australia’s Action Plan to combat Human Trafficking and Slavery 2015-195. These issues that may not been considered prior to the UPR, are now being considered and acted upon efficiently. Thus, although a number of issues with Australia and human rights remain, the UPR has made small inroads into changing Australia’s behaviour towards its treatment of human rights. Also, another positive from the UPR has been the appointment of a Human Rights Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights commission, signifying increased interest in
Periodic Review in 2015.
The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a monitoring mechanism by the United Nations that aims to promote a universal approach and fair approach in the review of each country’s human rights position1. In January of 2011, Australia was subject to the UPR review and numerous recommendations were made to the country in areas including indigenous issues and treatment of asylum seekers. The current UPR system does very little to effect state behaviour. Using Australia as case study, this essay identifies that the UPR system provides a lot …show more content…
The UPR is designed to be an innovative mechanism promoting and protecting human rights within the states of the UN10. It also a useful tool in analysing the human rights situations in states, which otherwise would not have been done, in a transparent, universal, non-selective and objective manner10. The long standing North-South differences is always going to lead to different interpretations and displayed behaviour towards human rights and the UPR recommendations11. However, the Human Rights Council believes that UPR has led to unique success towards the universal progression of human rights7. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights describes the UPR mechanism as contributing to opening up unprecedented opportunities to begin or strengthen dialogue and cooperation of human rights with all countries and at all levels7. The 2014 progress report on the Australia’s UPR prepared by the Australian Council of Human Rights Authorities, outlines that there have been positive developments regarding the protection of human rights in Australia since beginning the UPR in 2011. These developments include achievements such as the continued rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and launch of Australia’s Action Plan to combat Human Trafficking and Slavery 2015-195. These issues that may not been considered prior to the UPR, are now being considered and acted upon efficiently. Thus, although a number of issues with Australia and human rights remain, the UPR has made small inroads into changing Australia’s behaviour towards its treatment of human rights. Also, another positive from the UPR has been the appointment of a Human Rights Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights commission, signifying increased interest in