The purpose of the Handbook is to serve as a comprehensive guide for civil society stakeholders wishing to participate in the fourth UPR cycle – unique process that involves periodic review of the respect for human rights in all 193 UN member states by the UN Human Rights Council.

The first two chapters of the Handbook provide the main information about the UPR cycle and steps in the cycle.

The third chapter describes in details the role of CSOs in the UPR cycle, and provides instructions for the development of shadow reports and UPR recommendationns.

Chapters four and five explain the UPR cycle during the human rights situation review, adoption of the report and implementation of recommendations, focusing on the role, activities and influence of CSOs.

The final chapter provides more information about functioning of CSO coalitions in the UPR cycle.

Publication is the result of the work of civil society organisations within the informal coalition BiH Civil Society Initiative for UPR.

Author: Dajana Čelebić

Publication in ENG language available here.

Publication in B/H/S language available here.

This publication is supported by the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.