Local and Regional Governments in the UPR: Localizing Human Rights

Human Rights Conversations

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Local and Regional Governments (LRGs) play a vital role in turning international human rights commitments and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into concrete local action. As the level of government closest to communities, they are uniquely positioned to address inequalities, strengthen access to essential public services, and promote inclusive, participatory decision-making. Yet despite their growing responsibilities, LRGs remain underrepresented in UN human rights mechanisms, where reporting and monitoring processes are still largely centered on national governments. This is gradually changing: recent initiatives like the Human Rights Council’s latest resolution on “Local Government and Human Rights” (HRC 57/12, 2024) and the UN Forum of Mayors now give city leaders a direct voice in multilateral discussions, and underscores the critical role of local authorities in promoting and protecting human rights, advocating a whole-of-government approach to human rights governance. Such developments reflect a growing recognition that LRGs and their representative bodies should be treated as essential contributors in processes like the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), complementing the inputs by central governments in order to bridge the gap between international norms and local realities. The Human Rights Council resolution 57/12 also refers to the importance of supporting better engagement of local governments in the work of UN human rights mechanisms.

This side event, part of the Geneva Human Rights Platform’s Human Rights Conversation Series and co-organized by the Center for Global Law and Justice at Northeastern University School of Law and OHCHR, will examine how LRGs can be better recognized and empowered ass key human rights actors, building on recent Human Rights Council resolutions – notably HRC 57/12 (Local Government and Human Rights) and HRC 51/33 (National Mechanisms for Implementation, Reporting and Follow-up). Through concrete examples, it will explore the spectrum of LRG engagement in the UPR, either directly or through the national drafting body or the national mechanism for implementation, reporting and follow-up on human rights.

Engaging LRGs and their representative bodies in the UPR process holds multiple advantages:

• It enables the collection of localized data that better reflects realities on the ground.
• It enhances coordination between national, local and regional authorities, promoting effective follow-up on UPR recommendations.
• It helps LRGs understand their human rights responsibilities and progress, legitimizing their work domestically.
• It fosters peer learning and cooperation between local and regional authorities globally.

By bringing together LRG representatives and policymakers this event aims to identify strategies and good practices to further include LRGs in the UPR cycle. Participants will highlight innovative approaches – from inclusive national mechanisms to data-sharing partnerships – that enhance LRG contributions throughout the reporting and implementation cycle.

Opening Remarks:

• H.E. Mr. Vincenzo Grassi, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva

Panel Discussion:

• Sharon Weinblum, General Delegate for Wallonia-Brussels, Permanent Mission of Belgium in Geneva
• Alisa Warren, President of the International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies (IAOHRA)
• Robert Corbisier, Executive Director, Alaska State Commission for Human Rights
• Dimiter Chalev, Chief, Rule of Law, Equality and Non-Discrimination Branch, OHCHR

Moderator:

• Felix Kirchmeier, Executive Director, Geneva Human Rights Platform

Q&A session with audience participation

Access

Registration is via the Indico system here