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

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Child Rights Information Network (CRIN) NGO Survey Findings 4. Is it making a difference on the ground? Some responses questioned the impact the UPR actually has on the ground. Some national NGOs, in particular, feel cut off from the procedures in Geneva and want to first see the actual impact these recommendations may have before judging the process a success. Question 5d) Is the UPR part of your core work and will it be in the future? Response summary: The majority of international NGOs stated that the UPR is part of their core work and indeed would be in the future. From a national NGO perspective, the response was more varied, though a reasonable number of national NGOs did state that whilst it wasn't necessarily a priority at the moment, it would be in the future. A couple of national NGOs said their immediate focus was on the CRC. Different perspectives: Given the UPR is still yet to complete its first cycle, these findings are perhaps not surprising. International NGOs, close to the action in Geneva, have had more experience of engaging with the UPR, whereas national NGOs are currently more focused on the CRC and waiting to see how the UPR plays out. Question 5e) What would you do differently next time you engage with the UPR? Response summary: Many organisations stressed the importance of the follow-up process, acknowledging their failings in this crucial area. This point was acknowledged as a matter of urgency not just for the UPR, but also across UN mechanisms. One international NGO summed up the general response: “It is a learning curve, every State review has been a learning experience, you take something from each one. At the moment we are not sticking to any strict methodology, but may at some point” The responses of how organisations would act differently the next time they report can be grouped into sections: 1. More pre-review preparation One international NGO responded: “Have a greater lead time, and be more prepared, structured in our approach in the build up to the review. Also focus on those country offices that buy into the UPR and UN advocacy and go for it with them. Then with success, the others will follow” Another commented: 51
Child Rights Information Network (CRIN) NGO Survey Findings “Start the preparation process earlier and conduct a clear analysis of policies and practices in order to reflect accurate information to the UPR” 2. A more effective follow-up plan As highlighted above, a number of organisations agreed that the overall follow-up approach carried out by NGOs on UN mechanisms was inadequate and urgently needed addressing, and the UPR was no different in this respect. The organisations emphasising the importance of a stronger follow-up plan were largely the international NGOs who had more capacity and resources than national NGOs. One international NGO stated: “Adopt a better follow-up plan after the review and use the recommendations and any sign of positive response from the State. At the same time, provoke others to do the same” Another reported: “Focus on following up the outcomes of the review in a more structured and calculated way” Another NGO mentioned the important role the media could play in following up the outcomes of the review. Few organisations commented on their interaction with the media on the UPR. Once more, this is an important area that requires further research in order to collate successful examples of media coordination. 3. Increase participation of children in the reporting process Whilst very few NGOs had involved children in the reporting process for the UPR, a number of organisations highlighted this as a priority for future reporting, signalling their views that the participation of children would enhance their engagement with the mechanism. 4. Encourage participation of more NGOs The overall lack of awareness about the UPR, and how it works, regularly surfaced in the responses, particularly when organisations were talking about fellow national and local NGOs, those distant from the Geneva arena. Whilst some organisations had already promoted awareness of the UPR, its benefits and ways to engage with this new mechanism, many acknowledged that this is an important area to focus on. 5. Stronger lobbying, particularly making use of international lobbying The majority of organisations acknowledged the power of lobbying for this new mechanism, but either had not had the time or the capacity to do this, or were unaware of how to do it. One person said: “We need to apply more intensive lobbying, through our Geneva office, on States and troikas to push our issues.” 52
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Universal Periodic Review: The Stat
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Acknowledgements This report was wr
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Appendix 6: Children's rights organ
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Universal Periodic Review: The Status of Children's Rights - CRIN

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