Vanuatu must report to the United Nations under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on progress in addressing all human rights issues.

The Universal Periodic Review is an important innovation of the Human Rights Council based on equal treatment of all countries.

It provides an opportunity for all states to declare what measures they have taken to improve the human rights situation in their countries and overcome challenges to the enjoyment of human rights.

The National Human Rights Committee will hold a consultation on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report, which is held every four years for 193 UN member states.

The coordinator of the National Human Rights Initiative, Albert Nalpini, has confirmed that the first consultation will be held in Santo from September 25 to 29.

The five-day consultation will be held in two different locations, the Sanma Provincial Government Council and the Port Authority Office.

It will be attended by the Provincial Technical Advisory Committee, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, youth, women, churches and chiefs.

Mr. Albert Nalpini stated that the second consultation will be held the following week in Port Vila on the 10th to 13th of October 2023 He further explained that the purpose of the consultation is to work with partners and stakeholders to gather information and data on the implementation of each of the conventions ratified by Vanuatu based on a list of recommendations submitted by the United Nations.

Vanuatu will submit the report to the United Nations in February 2024.