Human Rights in Kenya and Spain – the 49th Session of the UPR (4th cycle)
The 49th UPR session was held from the 28th April till the 9th May 2025 in Palais des Nations in Geneva. The UPR is a mechanism of the Human Rights Council, which critically reviews all 193 UN member states every four years regarding their human rights situation.
The State under review declares what action has been taken to improve human rights in the Country, while other attending States have the chance to bring forward specific recommendations in the spirit of constructive dialog.
Each session is based on three main documents made public before the review: the national report of the country under review, the Compilation of UN information and the summary of stakeholders’ contribution, i.e. civil society information.
IIMA and VIDES, together with other international and local partners, has contributed with written submissions on Spain and Kenya.
Our UPR submission on Spain highlighted challenges in education especially for vulnerable children, as well as issues related to mental health and the access to the labour market for young people. During the UPR session, the attending States also addressed the issues of gender equality, housing and human trafficking as well as gender-based violence.
Furthermore, the rights of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, especially unaccompanied children have been the subject of numerous recommendations addressed to Spain.
Finally, attention was drawn to the need to combat hate speech, in particular racism, xenophobia and discrimination against Roma and other minorities, through concrete action plans and effective sanctions. To watch the UPR session of Spain, click here.
Our UPR submission on Kenya highlighted how many children lack access to energy and internet facilities as well as affordable digital tools to support their learning. Women and girls continue to suffer from domestic violence, abuse, forced marriages, online violence and early pregnancies. Finally, the issue of mental health of young people was raised.
Accordingly, the health of young woman and children as well as deep concerns for gender-based violence were major topics of the 49th UPR session of Kenya. Many recommendations made to Kenya by other States aimed to strengthen the rights of young women and girls and ensure their participation in public decision-making. Many attending states also recommended Kenya to promote and support the right to freedom of expression, especially for journalists and to investigate on the rise of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. To watch the UPR session of Kenya, click here.
In conclusion, the UPR mechanism provides a crucial space to protect human rights. It is the continued efforts of the states, together with the UN and civil society, to fulfil their promises and their willingness to remain accountable, that will ultimately advance the human rights of all peoples.