MUPR 2020

The Padova Model UPR is an academic simulation of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a unique United Nations (UN) mechanism which reviews of the human rights records of all UN Member States. This model offers participants an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms and dynamics of the UPR procedure held in Geneva.

The 3rd Annual Padova Model UPR is organised by an international team of students and former delegates, professors, as well as UN and NGO officers, coordinated by the University of Padova, with the support of the Human Rights Centre “Antonio Papisca”, the Department of Political Science, Law and International Studies (SPGI), and the MA Degree Programme in Human Rights and Multi-level Governance (HRG)

The Padova Model UPR 2020 offers students from all over the world a unique opportunity to learn about human rights, democracy and diplomacy. The Padova Model is indeed the first and most comprehensive academic simulation of the UPR. The 2019 edition was featured in the highlights of the UN campaign “Stand up for Human Rights”.

By playing the roles of State delegates, NGOs, and National Human Rights Institutions, participants can gain experience in the UPR procedure, which involves assessing States’ human rights records and addressing human rights violations. Professors of the University of Padova and Padova’s Human Rights Centre, along with the student Secretariat will provide professional guidance and support throughout the event. Participating teams will be assigned different roles, including States under review, the Troika States, reviewing States, Civil Society Organisations, interacting within UPR Working Group and the sessions of the Human Rights Council. During the simulation, participants will have to analyse the human rights performance of the concerned States, take part in the interactive debate, and adopt the final lists of accepted and noted recommendations.

Are you interested in human rights? Do you wish to improve your debating skills or experience what is it like to work for the UN? Then, the Padova Model UPR is your chance!

The event will be held from 24-27 November 2020, with NO fees for participation! Participation will be made possible both on-site and on-line.

Who can apply?

- All International (European and Non-European) students older than 18 years of age; 
- Bachelor students (only in their last year), Master students, PhD students, preferably in the field of Political Sciences, Human Rights, International Relations, Social Sciences or Legal Studies;

What are you waiting for? Participation is open both to teams and individual players.

We are looking forward to welcoming you!

Modalities of participation

As a team representing States

- 6 Teams representing States – each team with 4 members as delegates and up to 2 more members as researchers (optional and their participation may be remote during the simulation days)

Individually or in pairs representing NGOs or NHRIs

- 6 Teams representing International NGOs – each team with 1 member as NGO representative and 1 member as researcher (optional and their participation may be remote during the simulation days)

- 6 Teams representing NHRIs and/or Local NGOs – each team with 1 member as NHRI/NGO representative and 1 member as researcher (optional and their participation may be remote during the simulation days)

Applications: The online application will open from 20 June 2020 at 10 am to 20 July at 1 pm, but for any questions and doubt, do not hesitate to contact the Student Secretariat. The second round of application will open on 17 August 2020.

Outline of the main phases

1) Preparatory phase: October-November 2020

1.10: Announcement of selected participants and disclosure of information regarding which State, NGO or NHRI they will represent.

9.10-24.11: Training and Assignments before the simulation.

2) Simulation phase:  24-27 November 2020 (Padova and/or Online)

24.11: Pre-session - Presentation of NGO's and NHRI's reports and lobbying with States.

25.11: UPR Working Group Session - Review of States, preparation of the WG Reports, and the adoption of WG Reports.

26.11: Preparation for HRC Plenary Item 6 - Draft of the WG Report Addendum drawn from the additional information provided by the States. Preparation of comments for the General Debate during HRC Item 6 based on the WG Report and its Addendum. Lobbying.

27.11: HRC Plenary Item 6, Awards and Closing Ceremony - General debate under Item 6 and adoption of the final outcome of UPR; awards and closing ceremony.

COVID-19 NOTE:
The event will be conducted on-site in Padova, Italy. However, in the case that Covid-19 presents a limitation to travel and/or in-person attendance, the Padova Model UPR 2020 may be adapted to a partially or completely remote/online platform. Participants will be updated when further information becomes available.

Partial or fully remote/online participation is also possible in cases of applicants with motor disabilities. Please inform the Secretariat if one or more members of your team requires barrier-free participation. 

Contact: model.upr@unipd-centrodirittiumani.it