Introduction

This edited collection provides a sustained analyses of the first three cycles of the UPR mechanism. This publication’s origins stem from the first workshop of the UPR Academic Network (UPRAN) held on 15th June 2022. UPRAN was founded by academics at Birmingham City University’s Centre for Human Rights (England) and the University of Stirling (Scotland) in June 2022. UPRAN brings together a global network of researchers and academics working on the HRC’s UPR mechanism to exchange research ideas, consider new perspectives, and explore under-researched aspects of the UPR process. This is the first academic network set up to examine the effectiveness of the UPR mechanism, engage with theoretical and conceptual debates about its modus operandi, identify the lessons that can be drawn across different regions/states, and work to strengthen the research capacity of NGOs and other stakeholder engaging with the UPR mechanism. The work of the UPRAN will provide a point of reference from which trends on the operation of the UPR mechanism can be identified and recommendations for improvements can be made.