United Nations Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review

The Human Rights Council (HRC) decided to implement its new Universal Periodic Review in April, 2008.
The General Assembly Resolution 60/251, which created the HRC decided that the Council shall “undertake a universal periodic review, based on objective and reliable information, of the fulfillment by each State of its human rights obligations and commitments in a manner which ensures universality of coverage and equal treatment with respect to all States; the review shall be a cooperative mechanism, based on an interactive dialogue, with the full involvement of the country concerned and with consideration given to its capacity-building needs; such a mechanism shall complement and not duplicate the work of treaty bodies (…)”. (article 5 (e)).
The basis of the review, its principles and objectives, its process and modalities, as well as the outcome of the review are outlined in Resolution 5/1, adopted by the HRC on 18 June 2007, and contained in the Report of the fifth regular session (the so-called ‘institution-building package') available at http://www.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/  
In its last session period, the HRC selected the countries to be reviewed, providing a calendar of work for the Council for the next four years, from 2008 to 2011 (see attached file). NGOs have been requested to submit their written inputs –5 pages maximum- for this first round by 20 November 2007 (see attached some preliminary Information Note for NGOs).
Also find attached information about the States that will be considered in next session and the Guidelines for the preparation of information approved by the HRC.