Press Release

The Royal Government of Bhutan presented its second National Human Rights Report under the Universal Periodic Review mechanism to the 19^th Session of the Working Group of the Human Rights Council in Geneva yesterday.

The Bhutanese delegation was led by Lyonpo Damcho Dorji, Minister for Home and Cultural Affairs, and comprised of representatives from different Ministries and Agencies including a member of the CSO. Lyonpo introduced the National Report covering the progress and achievements made by Bhutan since it’s last review in 2009 as well as the challenges and constraints faced by the country.

A total of 88 UN member states spoke at the session.

The meeting was highly successful and constructive. The Council appreciated Bhutan’s open and positive approach to the UPR process.

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a unique process that takes place under the auspices of the UN Human Rights Council. It involves a review of the human rights records of all 193 UN Member States. It is an important platform for examining the human rights situation in member states, assessing government’s performance in promoting and protecting the rights of its citizens, and to share and exchange views on addressing the challenges faced in this regard.