Universal Periodic Review: The Status of Children's Rights - CRIN

Child Rights Information Network (CRIN) NGO Survey Findings
Summary of NGO responses
Pre-review Stage
For NGOs, the period leading up to the review itself is taken up with: (1) Report Submission, (2) Lobbying:
1) Report Submission
Question 1a) Did you submit a report to the UPR individually or as a coalition / joint submission, and
if as a coalition, was it an existing one or established specifically for the UPR?
Response summary:
The majority of organisations interviewed submitted reports as part of a coalition, with approximately one third
submitting reports individually. Reasons primarily depended on the type of organisation writing the report and the
situation in the country concerned, notably the safety of reporting on human rights. Of those organisations reporting as
part of a coalition, more than half joined or were part of an existing coalition established to report to the CRC. Others
implied that the coalitions were established specifically for the UPR. Some national NGOs explained how they joined
coalitions for the UPR, which were made up of members focusing on the full range of human rights.
Advantages of coalitions:
Organisations reporting as a coalition (joint submissions) cited the following advantages:
• Overcoming the issue of confidentiality / sensitivity: Organisations stated that in some countries it is not safe to
report individually or sometimes at all. Being part of a coalition was often seen as an alternative option.
• A more cohesive approach: Many organisations reported how coalitions provided an opportunity to join forces
with other NGOs and construct a more cohesive approach to pressing the key issues.
• Avoid duplication
• Avoid using a new set of reporting guidelines: Often NGOs reporting as part of a coalition would submit
information to the coordinator of the coalition on specific elements of the report. The coordinator would be
responsible for following the UN guidelines, hence relieving the NGOs of this responsibility.
• Strengthening relationships: Joining a coalition for the UPR can strengthen an organisation's ties with other
NGOs focusing on children's rights and indeed broader human rights organisations. National NGOs in
particular cited this as a key advantage.
Advantages of individual submissions:
One national NGO explained how they cooperate with other NGOs and determine who is going to focus on
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