Submissions in the framework of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR)

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a unique process which involves the review of the human rights record of all 192 UN Member States once every four-and-half year. It was created by the UN General Assembly in 2006. The UPR offers an opportunity for the States to report on how they have fulfilled their obligations under the most important international human rights instruments. In addition, the UPR is a potentially powerful tool to improve the human rights situation in all countries and to address human rights violations wherever they occur.

In this review process, the UN pays special attention to the information submitted by non-governmental organizations. Civilsociety organizations including members of the Civilisation coalition aim to assist the UN to better assess Hungary’s human rights performance by contributing to alternative reports within the framework of the UPR.

1. The Hungarian Helsinki Committee in its individual submission focused on problems related to the criminal justice system and the performance of law enforcement agencies. (See an annex about the implementation of recommendations made in the previous UPR cycle here.)

2. The joint submission of the Hungarian Helsinki Committee and Menedék Hungarian Association for Migrants assessed the situation of migrants, asylum-seekers and refugees. (See an annex about the implementation of recommendations made in the previous UPR cycle here.)

3. The joint submission of the Global Detention Project and the Hungarian Helsinki Committee focused on migration-related detention and border enforcement measures.

4. The joint submission of the European Network on Statelessness, the Hungarian Helsinki Committee and the Institute on Statelessness and Inclusion covered the issue of statelessness.

5. The submission of the Working Group against Hate Crimes focused on state authorities’ response to hate crimes.

6. Together with Amnesty International Hungary and the Eötvös Károly Institute, the Hungarian Helsinki Committee prepared a joint submission on the rule of law, calling the attention among others to the undermining of the independence of courts, the deficiencies in the operation of the Ombudsperson, and the lack of consultation in the law-making process. (See an annex about the implementation of recommendations made in the previous UPR cycle here.)

7. Amnesty International Hungary, the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union, the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, the Ökotárs Foundation, and the Power of Humanity Foundation prepared a joint submission about shrinking civil space in Hungary.

8. From Streets to Homes Association and The City is for All prepared a submission about housing.

9. The joint submission of NANE Women’s Rights Association, PATENT (People Opposing Patriarchy) Association, Hungarian Women’s Lobby and Jol-Let (Well-Being) Foundation focused on the promotion of equality between women and men and of women’s rights.

10. PATENT Association of People Opposing Patriarchy and Sexual Rights Initiative [SRI] prepared a joint submission about women’s human rights and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

11. The joint submission of Advocates for Human Rights, NANE Women’s Rights Association, and PATENT (People Opposing Patriarchy) Association covered the issue of domestic violence and sexual violence.

12. The submission on the discrimination of the Roma is a joint work of the Civic Roma Women of Bódva-völgy and the HCLU.

13. The submission of the Child Rights NGO Coalition deals with the situation of children belonging to vulnerable groups.