A small grant project will be implemented to support the Universal Periodic Review Process in relation to Sexual and Reproductive Health. The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a unique process which involves a review of the human rights records of all UN Member States. The UPR is a State-driven process, under the auspices of the Human Rights Council, which provides the opportunity for each State to declare what actions they have taken to improve the human rights situations in their countries and to fulfill their human rights obligations. As one of the main features of the Council, the UPR is designed to ensure equal treatment for every country when their human rights situations are assessed.
It is a cooperative process which, by October 2011 and currently, no other universal mechanism of this kind exists. The UPR is one of the key elements of the Council which reminds States of their responsibility to fully respect and implement all human rights and fundamental freedoms. 
The objectives of the review are:

1. The improvement of the human rights situation on the ground;
2. The fulfillment of the State’s human rights obligations and commitments and assessment of positive developments and challenges faced by the State;
3. The enhancement of the State’s capacity and of technical assistance, in consultation with, and with the consent of, the State concerned;
4. The sharing of best practice among States and other stakeholders;
5. Support for cooperation in the promotion and protection of human rights;
6. The encouragement of full cooperation and engagement with the Council, other human rights bodies and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
7. Voluntary pledges and commitments made by States, including those undertaken when presenting their candidatures for election to the Human Rights Council (hereinafter “the Council”).

It is expected to fully integrate a gender perspective, and ensure the participation of all relevant stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations and national human rights institutions. 
The review is based on:

1. The Charter of the United Nations
2. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
3. Human rights instruments to which a State is party
4. Voluntary pledges and commitments made by States, including those undertaken when presenting their candidatures for election to the Human Rights Council
5. Applicable international humanitarian law.