Women, peace and security: Strengthening accountability through the Universal Periodic Review

This research brief focuses on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process in the Human Rights Council and shows the potential for a powerful relationship between this process and enhanced accountability for human rights obligations relating to the women, peace, and security (WPS) agenda. It provides recommendations to improve reflection, action, and progress on WPS commitments within the UPR. This includes how the WPS agenda can be used as a framework to enhance the quality of gender and conflict analysis in the UPR.

In addition, through improved integration of WPS within the UPR, Member States can demonstrate their commitment to gender mainstreaming, sustainable peace and development, and the proactive realization of women’s rights, including through reflection of their own progress on WPS commitments. In this regard, UN Women stands ready to support Member States and civil society organizations to advance women’s rights, peace, and security through the UPR.