UVM Theses and Dissertations
Format:
Print
Author:
McMahon, Edward R.
Dept./Program:
College of Education and Social Services
Year:
2011
Degree:
Ed. D.
Abstract:
Increasing attention is being focused on the utility of peer review processes in inter-governmental organizations. In 2008 the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism ofthe United Nations Human Rights Council began functioning. A leading feature of the HRC is this process in which governments make recommendations to fellow U.N. members on how to promote and protect human rights, and which succeeded the widely discredited U.N. Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
This takes place against the backdrop of continued debate on the universality of human rights as opposed to emphasis on cultural relativism. A key question is whether middle ground can be found between these perspectives. The UPR, which is based on the consensus of all U.N. member states, represents a related initiative. A fundamental issue thus confronting the HRC, and the broader international community, is whether the UPR is a fresh initiative which can break free of a past regionally-based gridlock and whether the UPR can spearhead greater effectiveness of the HRC.
Analysis based on interviews with key stakeholders and an innovative rating of UPR recommendations, including by the level of action requested, shows continued regional differentiation between the Asian and African regions, and the West European and Other (WEOG) region. However, the relatively more democratically-oriented governments in the GRULAC (Latin American) and East European regions occupy middle ground in how they utilize the UPR. This suggests that given continued expansion of democratic rights globally the UPR, and by extension the HRC, may be able to playa more positive role than did the CHR.
This takes place against the backdrop of continued debate on the universality of human rights as opposed to emphasis on cultural relativism. A key question is whether middle ground can be found between these perspectives. The UPR, which is based on the consensus of all U.N. member states, represents a related initiative. A fundamental issue thus confronting the HRC, and the broader international community, is whether the UPR is a fresh initiative which can break free of a past regionally-based gridlock and whether the UPR can spearhead greater effectiveness of the HRC.
Analysis based on interviews with key stakeholders and an innovative rating of UPR recommendations, including by the level of action requested, shows continued regional differentiation between the Asian and African regions, and the West European and Other (WEOG) region. However, the relatively more democratically-oriented governments in the GRULAC (Latin American) and East European regions occupy middle ground in how they utilize the UPR. This suggests that given continued expansion of democratic rights globally the UPR, and by extension the HRC, may be able to playa more positive role than did the CHR.