By MONICA KAYOMBO,Zambia Lusaka
THE Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is emerging as a crucial tool in the fight for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) rights worldwide.
This was the key takeaway from a virtual meeting of activists from across the globe, held on January 26, 2026, to address the erosion of these fundamental rights.
Dr Virginia Kamowa, Regional and Country Manager at the Global Center for Health Diplomacy and Inclusion (CeHDI), emphasized the significance of the UPR in holding governments accountable for their human rights obligations. “UPR is one of the national accountability mechanisms to hold UN member States accountable for human rights obligations and commitments,” she said.
The UPR, which reviews all 193 United Nations ( UN) member states once every four years, provides a clear accountability pathway for governments to implement recommendations and report progress.
Dr Kamowa highlighted that the UPR links global obligations to national policies, budgets, and service delivery, making it a vital mechanism for ensuring Sexual Reproductive Health Rights ( SRHR) services.
According to Dr Kamowa, the UPR has led to an increase in recommendations on the right to health, with an acceptance rate of 82 percent among governments.
She cited maternal health as an example, where UPR recommendations have prompted states to reduce maternal mortality, improve access to quality maternal healthcare services, and expand SRH information and services.
The UPR review process is currently underway, with countries like Rwanda and St. Lucia underwent review last month, and others like Namibia, Mozambique, and Somalia set for review in May 2026.
Ms Pauline Fernandez, who is Coordinator of the Philippines Safe Abortion Advocacy Network (PINSAN), shared a compelling example of the impact of advocacy efforts. Despite the country’s harsh laws against abortion, sustained organizing has led to growing recognition of the need for decriminalization, with over 30,000 people signing PINSAN’s petition in support.
Dr Kamowa stressed that the UPR provides authoritative language to connect local realities to international promises, strengthening advocacy narratives and enabling evidence-based accountability.
“UPR helps to transform advocacy from moral appeals to evidence-based accountability, which is very important,” she said.
The meeting highlighted the critical role of civil society and communities in monitoring and scrutinizing government commitments, ensuring that UPR recommendations are implemented and SRH rights are protected.
As the UPR review cycle continues, activists are optimistic that this mechanism will continue to be a powerful tool in the fight for SRH rights, holding governments accountable and driving progress towards a more equitable and just world.
