Ireland to appear before United Nations Human Rights Council for Universal Periodic Review

/in /by

Ireland is appearing before the United Nations Human Rights Council today for its Fourth Cycle Universal Periodic Review (UPR), with Minister of State for Disability, Emer Higgins, leading the Irish delegation.

Minister Higgins will outline developments in human rights and equality since Ireland’s last review in 2021 and highlight progress across a range of areas, including disability rights, children’s rights, gender equality, housing and homelessness, and international protection reform.

Minister Higgins said:

“Ireland places great value on the Universal Periodic Review process. Through open dialogue, mutual accountability and the sharing of good practice, the UPR helps all countries strengthen the protection and promotion of human rights for all.

“I am proud of the progress made in advancing human rights and equality in recent years. We recognise that while important progress has been made, implementation and delivery remain critical, and the Government remains committed to improving outcomes for people across Ireland.”

During this review, Minister Higgins and representatives of several Government Departments will outline developments since Ireland’s last review in 2021 and engage in an interactive dialogue with other UN Member States on Ireland’s human rights record.

Ireland’s National Report, which informed this review, was submitted to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on 3 August 2026. It was prepared through a whole-of-government process.

Recognising the importance of seeking their views, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality consulted with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, civil society organisations and children and young people when developing the National Report,

Today’s review takes place shortly after Ireland’s election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027-2029 term. Ireland will take up its seat on the Council on 1 January 2027 and looks forward to working constructively with other Member States and supporting the international human rights system.

During the review, Ireland will receive recommendations from 107 other UN Member States on how it can further strengthen the protection and promotion of human rights. These recommendations will inform Ireland’s engagement with the UPR process over the next review cycle.

“Ireland takes its human rights obligations seriously. The Universal Periodic Review provides an important opportunity to reflect on both progress and challenges, and to engage openly with other countries on how we can continue to strengthen human rights protections.

I am proud of the progress made in advancing human rights and equality in recent years. While important progress has been made, we recognise that implementation and delivery remain critical, and the Government remains committed to improving outcomes for people across Ireland.”

During this review, Minister Higgins and representatives of several Government Departments will outline developments since Ireland’s last review in 2021 and engage in an interactive dialogue with other UN Member States on Ireland’s human rights record.

Ireland’s National Report, which informed this review, was submitted to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on 3 August 2026. It was prepared through a whole-of-government process and informed by consultations with civil society organisations, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, and children and young people.

Tomorrow’s review takes place shortly after Ireland’s election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027-2029 term. Ireland will take up its seat on the Council on 1 January 2027 and looks forward to working constructively with other Member States to promote and protect human rights and support the international human rights system.

During the review, Ireland will receive recommendations from 107 other UN Member States on how it can further strengthen the protection and promotion of human rights. These recommendations will inform Ireland’s engagement with the UPR process over the next review cycle.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

  • The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a peer-review mechanism of the United Nations Human Rights Council under which the human rights record of every UN Member State is reviewed periodically.
  • The UPR operates in cycles of approximately four and a half years, during which all UN Member States undergo review.
  • Ireland’s previous UPR review took place in November 2021.
  • The Fourth Cycle National Report covers developments since Ireland’s last review and was submitted to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on 3 August 2026.
  • The report was informed by engagement across Government and consultation with civil society organisations, children and young people and other stakeholders. The National Report and accompanying consultation reports can be found here: Ireland and the UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR)
  • UPR pre-sessions took place in Geneva in August 2026, providing an opportunity for civil society organisations to brief Member States ahead of the review hearing.
  • Ireland was elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027-2029 term in October 2026 and will take up its seat on 1 January 2027. Ireland’s election reflects its ongoing engagement with the international human rights system.