On Wednesday, 4 September 2024, the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Impact Group held an interactive workshop focused on finalising General Recommendations for integrating the WPS Agenda into human rights mechanisms, particularly within the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. Hosted at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), the event was led by Ambassador Claudia Fuentes Julio, Permanent Representative of Chile to the United Nations in Geneva, alongside Fleur Heyworth, Head of Gender and Inclusive Security at the GCSP and Head of the IGC Secretariat, as well as Madeleine Rees, former Secretary General of WILPF.
Following their opening remarks, participants split into smaller working groups to engage in focused discussions on three draft documents. These sessions allowed for in-depth refinement of the draft recommendations, with a strong emphasis on creating concise, actionable guidance that includes specific examples for practical implementation. A key point raised during discussions was the integration of transitional justice elements by strengthening language on truth, justice, and reparations, ensuring that recommendations address both the immediate and long-term needs of affected populations.
Participants also underscored the importance of civil society engagement, emphasizing that this involvement is crucial for strengthening accountability at national and international levels and ensuring effective monitoring of the recommendations' implementation. By aligning WPS-related recommendations with existing National Action Plans and relevant international frameworks, the group aimed to offer practical solutions that ensure coherence and sustainability in addressing WPS-related challenges.
The main challenge highlighted by participants were time constraints within the UPR cycle:, With member state interventions during the UPR dialogue being limited to a maximum of 1:30 minutes, only a small number of recommendations can be put forward overall. Participants assessed that, realistically, only one or two WPS-specific recommendations could be integrated into member states’ interventions. They stressed the need for more coordinated action and clearer, more specific asks to ensure the comprehensive integration of the WPS-Agenda, and highlighted the opportunity to use the advanced questions mechanism in the UPR process. This approach would give member states an early opportunity to raise concerns ahead of the UPR session and offer a larger volume of targeted recommendations.
The WPS Impact Group will consolidate the feedback received and is following up with some member organisations who may be able to take the recommendations forward to ensure a more consistent and coherent approach in UPR cycles in the future.