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Available open access digitally under CC-BY-NC-ND licence.
Foreword by Gianni Magazzeni, former Senior UN/OHCHR Official and UPR Chief at the United Nations.
This book analyses the impact of the United Nations’ Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process through a case study of the UK. It advances a dual-perspective assessment of the UPR: the ‘external’ perspective, which focuses on a state’s practice at the UPR, and the ‘internal’ perspective, which examines the influence of the UPR on the executive, legislature and judiciary.
The author introduces a new framework for assessing state participation, drawing on Kathryn Sikkink’s ‘Evidence for Hope’ to advance the methodological rigour of UPR research. The UK context explored in the book highlights the influence of domestic politics, institutional capacity and accountability processes, with implications for Westminster systems worldwide. It is crucial reading for scholars, policy makers and practitioners of international human rights law.
“A compelling and accessible analysis of the UK’s engagement with the UPR, this study advances academic and policy understanding through its novel framework and insightful interdisciplinary approach.” Alice Storey, Birmingham City University
"This timely and well-written book focuses on an often overlooked human rights monitoring mechanism that is - contrary to almost all human rights mechanisms - truly universal in scope and application. Its focus on what international human rights law does and the combination of legal-doctrinal with interdisciplinary and empirical approaches and theories is much needed, especially in times in which human rights and international law are under attack and their effectiveness is questioned. Particularly valuable is that the book moves beyond the unitary conception of the state by carefully examining the different involvement in and uptake of the UPR process by the executive, legislature and judiciary. The book shows the opportunities for the UPR to be a catalyst for domestic mobilisation and leverage for domestic actors. It contains worthwhile recommendations for the UPR and the actors engaging with this process. This book constitutes a wonderful addition to the existing academic literature and a rich source of inspiration for practitioners and stakeholders involved." Prof. Jasper Krommendijk, Radboud University Nijmegen
"A groundbreaking study offering innovative assessment tools and profound insights into the Universal Periodic Review’s impact on domestic governance and human rights practice." Jean-Marie Kamatali, The Claude W. Pettit College of Law, Ohio Northern University
"An insightful masterpiece illuminating the UPR's transformative role in the UK, and the author has gone well beyond the legal literature to draw upon studies in international relations and international politics to address key questions. This is essential reading for policymakers, scholars, and advocates alike." Damian Etone, Senior Lecturer in International Human Rights Law, University of Stirling
1. Introduction
Part I: The External Perspective: The State at the Universal Periodic Review
2. Why and How Do We Assess State Practice at the Universal Periodic Review?
3. The UK at the Universal Periodic Review
Part II: The Internal Perspective: The Universal Periodic Review in the State
4. Theorizing the Universal Periodic Review’s Impact: The Role of Domestic Actors
5. The Universal Periodic Review and the Executive
6. The Universal Periodic Review and the Legislature
7. The Universal Periodic Review and the Judiciary
8. Conclusion