Increase global accountability
We leverage existing legal instruments to hold governments accountable to their commitments to end violence against all women and girls under international law.
Global accountability leads to prevention and justice.
Governments around the world commit to upholding provisions under international law, but implementation remains fragmented. Through accountability mechanisms, such as the Universal Periodic Review, we advocate for governments to implement and fund evidence-based solutions to end violence against all women and girls in their country.
Universal Periodic Review
Prioritising ending violence against all women and girls through the Universal Periodic Review
Three times a year, UN Member States review the human rights records of 14 among them through the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. Civil society plays a central role in the recommendations that are ultimately given to countries under review. Every Woman participates in this process, working to ensure countries adopt and implement laws and policies to end violence against all women and girls.
How it works
Universal Periodic Review sessions take place three times a year in Geneva, typically in January/February, April/May, and October/November. Each session lasts two weeks, during which 14 UN Member States are reviewed, for a total of 42 countries reviewed annually. All 193 UN Member States are reviewed every 4.5 years. Civil society organisations submit written recommendations and can request to speak in person during the country’s review.
Our engagement
- Provide clear, country-specific, evidence-based recommendations on ending violence against all women and girls to countries under review.
- Monitor the uptake of our recommendations.
- Track a country’s follow-through on those recommendations.
Outcomes
- Countries prioritise and fund proven, survivor-centred solutions to prevent and prosecute violence against women and girls and support survivors.
