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In January 2026, Australia’s human rights record will face intense scrutiny when the Australian Government appears before the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council in Geneva for its major 4.5 yearly human rights review, called the Universal Periodic Review (UPR).

What is the Purpose of the UPR

The Universal Periodic Review is a state-driven peer review mechanism. This means that all UN Member States are reviewed on the same terms and under the same process. The UPR provides an opportunity for Member States to declare what actions they have taken to fulfil their international human rights commitments and obligations.

Previous UPR Joint Civil Society Report

The Joint Civil Society Report was finalised in March 2020 at a time of unprecedented challenges for Australia. Australia had just emerged from a bushfire crisis in the summer of 2019/2020, bringing with it significant human rights implications. The report also outlined the impacts that the global COVID-19 pandemic would have on access to and enjoyment of human rights in Australia.

The Civil Society Report for Australia’s last UPR was endorsed by 200 organisations across Australia. It can be accessed underneath.

Timeline for the UPR 2025/2026

  • 25 June 2025: Civil Society report due

  • 1 October 2025: Australian Government 'National Report' due

  • December 2025/January 2026: Australia's Review at the UN in Geneva

How you can get involved

As an Australian NGO, you can inform the Joint NGO Shadow Report by leading  sections of the report relevant to your work, providing expert advice and  feedback, and endorsing the final report.

For more information about our Report advocacy process, and how you can be involved, please contact us at upr@hrlc.org.au.

NGO Coordinating Committee

  • Human Rights Law Centre

  • Kingsford Legal Centre

  • Indigenous People’s Organisation-Australia

  • Community Legal Centres Australia

Contact: upr@hrlc.org.au