Study The Universal Periodic Review: A Work in Progress An Evaluation of the First Cycle of the New UPR Mechanism of the United Nations Human Rights Council Edward R. McMahon September 2012 n The Universal Periodic Review(UPR), the purpose of which is to deepen respect for human rights through the provision of feedback to member states on their human rights performance, has concluded its first cycle. By March 2012, all member states of the United Nations have been reviewed under the UPR mechanism. n On the positive side, state participation has been excellent. In many cases, the UPR resulted in heightened communication and dialogue between governments and non-state actors. It also created a baseline set of documentation. n The UPR also triggered self-evaluations by states, with the prospect of a future re­view before the Human Rights Council, leading many states to engage in a process of internal review and inter-ministerial discussion. One has to admit, however, that many states may feel that they have to“go along” with it, but may have little interest in seeing it further developed. n There are a range of recommendations to further strengthen the UPR mechanism. To list a few: Heighten engagement of Non-Governmental Organizations; emphasize the role of National Human Rights Institutes; provide more action-oriented recom­mendations; make meaningful mid-term reporting the norm; and limit recommen­dations making either generic appeals to the international community to provide assistance or simply calls for an action or policy to be continued.