Our work

Ethiopia/Nigeria/Zimbabwe

Human rights defenders in countries like Ethiopia, Nigeria and Zimbabwe cannot openly support human rights in their country. Their position is perilous. The national authorities suppress every sign of dissent and issue discriminatory legislation to obstruct human rights activities. In consequence, the work on human rights and democracy issues is criminalised.
  
In early 2009, Justitia et Pax helped human rights defenders from the Niger Delta participate in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Nigeria. In December 2009 this was repeated for the UPR of Ethiopia. Activities for Zimbabwe are under preparation and could be carried out in 2011.
  

Partners

Justitia et Pax assists partners in their policy influencing activities at the UN. The UPR provides a new opportunity to discuss human rights situations, also with respect to countries that would often remain unaddressed in the past. Justitia et Pax participated in the UPRs of The Netherlands, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Ethiopia and others.
 
 
 
Vote count in national elections, Lagos, April 2007 (photo: Tiggy Ridley/IRIN)
 
What is a UPR?
 
A Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is an evaluation of the human rights situation in a particular country. Since 2008, all countries are required to complete a ‘human rights exam’ at the Human Rights Council of the United Nations, once every four years. Information for the UPR is submitted beforehand and consists of:
  • a report drawn up by the respective government
  • recommendations and comments by treaty bodies and UN reporters about the country, compiled by the High Commissioner for Human Rights
  • research information provided by human rights and development organisations.
The subsequent exam consists of a three-hour session during which countries can ask questions and offer recommendations. The country under examination may then respond and must indicate which of the recommendations it shall implement over the next four years.
 
80-yr old refugee and her grandson, South Ethiopia (photo: George Mulala/IRIN)
80-yr old refugee and her grandson, South Ethiopia (photo: George Mulala/IRIN)