Author: Edward R. McMahon Ed.D, Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Community Development and Applied Economics, Department of Political Science, University of Vermont.

In the dozen years since the Universal Periodic Review became operational, it has gained a reputation as a helpful tool in promoting State adherence to human rights norms and practices. The heart of the mechanism, of course, are the recommendations that are produced by member States and then either accepted or noted by States under Review (SuRs).