The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a unique process that involves a review of the human rights records of all United Nations Member States, providing an opportunity for each State to take stock of what actions it has taken to improve the human rights situation and to comply with international obligations. This review is based on three key documents, namely the State Report, the Report compiled by the United Nations agencies and the Report compiled by relevant stakeholders, including civil society organizations. Guinea-Bissau has already participated in two UPR cycles in 2011 and 2015 and will participate in the third cycle, which will take place in January 2020 in Geneva.

The Validation Workshop was held at the House of Rights in Bissau and brought together approximately 50 representatives from 27 civil society organizations, including 18 women representatives. Participants received relevant information on the UPR process and discussed the draft report prepared by civil society organizations in Guinea-Bissau under the coordination of the Human Rights Defenders Network.