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

Child Rights Information Network (CRIN) Conclusion
and those who feel excluded from the process and are waiting to see the impact of this mechanism reflected in
changes on the ground (national NGOs). All organisations in the children's rights community are encouraged to
share knowledge and experiences to support all actors in using the UPR.
• The UPR as an additional advocacy tool: A number of organisations alluded to the need to treat the UPR as
an additional advocacy tool, to complement their existing day to day work. The way the CRC complements the
UPR was repeatedly mentioned, with the UPR often seen as an 'enforcer' of advocacy work undertaken
towards the CRC. Use the survey findings which show how reporting to the CRC can provide a platform for
reporting to the UPR and how to use States' responses to recommendations in the UPR as part of your CRC
work.
• Wider benefits of engaging with the UPR: A number of internal and external benefits emerged from the
survey, particularly national NGOs reporting how the UPR helps them build alliances with the wider human
rights community. Explore options to join forces with other NGOs through coalitions and cooperate with
Ombudspersons and national human rights institutions. (Appendix 7 lists all children's rights focused
coalitions)
A guide for all organisations: With the UPR being a fairly new mechanism, it is more important
than ever for the children's rights community to work together and share information, from existing
toolkits on approaching the various stages of the process, to examples of successful strategies, to
raising awareness of coalitions, and so on. As mentioned earlier CRIN and the NGO Group for the
CRC are fulfilling some of these tasks, but more needs to be done. Contact us if you would like to
participate.
Areas for further research and analysis
Throughout this process, we often came across issues or areas that would benefit from further research. Where possible,
we have tried to highlight these.
Further research can be grouped into four areas:
1. Further research into the nine issues analysed
For example, research into particular areas of juvenile justice, such as the age of criminal responsibility.
2. Research beyond the nine issues
For example, research into children with disabilities, child participation or the extent to which
Ombudspersons are mentioned in the UPR.
3. Research examining the correlation between the UPR and other UN mechanisms
For example, examining the similarities between the Concluding Observations issued by the Committee on the
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