Engaging in the UPR: Capacity Building for SRHR Advocates in the Philippines
On February 15, 2022, in partnership with Global Affairs Canada, the Center for Reproductive Rights, together with Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights, OxFam, and SHE, organized a virtual event to build and strengthen the capacity of national and local sexual and reproductive health and rights advocates in the Philippines to engage with the Universal Period Review (UPR) process. The Philippines will be reviewed during the 41st session of the UN Human Rights Council this year.
What is a Universal Periodic Review?
The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a comprehensive human rights review that takes place for each country before the UN Human Rights Council, usually every four years.
During the workshop, the Center’s Senior Manager for Asia, Prabina Bajracharya, and Senior Legal Adviser for Asia, Jihan Jacob, presented an overview of the UPR process and advocacy opportunities for SRHR organizations and advocates. They also presented on the recommendations received by the Philippines during the previous UPR cycles including its progress in fulfilling crucial human rights and SRHR obligations. Participants, many of whom were youth advocates, shared input on key issues to be raised in a joint NGO report that will be submitted in March 2022.
“The UPR process remains an important tool for civil society to hold the Philippine government accountable. For over 15 years, the Center together with our partners have been working to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in the country,” said Jacob. “We look forward to meaningfully participating in the upcoming 4th cycle of the UPR and highlighting the government’s SRHR obligations and commitments including under major international human rights treaties and the Sustainable Development Goals.”
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