The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a peer review system introduced by the United Nations where every member state will undergo review of its human rights situation. Malaysia underwent the UPR in 2009 and 2013. Our next review falls on Nov 2018 at Geneva Human Rights Council. In preparation for this review Civil society is given an opportunity to submit and independent report to the United Nations by March 12, 2018.

The UPR process is a very important process as this is based on a global benchmark to access national commitments and compliance to human rights standards. Malaysia has made some progress in formulating the National Human Rights Action Plan although the draft has not been circulated for public response. We also note many human rights violations and the shrinking space for exercising democratic rights.

In this context ASLI-CPPS and the Malaysian CSO-SDG Alliance are hosting a discussion on reflecting on the UPR commitments from a SDG perspective. The UPR provides us an avenue to place human rights along with SDG commitments to social, economic and environmental sustainability. Malaysia has also made an open commitment for the implementation of the SDGs over the 15 years from 2016 to 2030 with the first phase through the Eleventh Malaysia Plan.

Matters arising from the discussion will be forwarded to relevant bodies nationally and globally for their attention, follow up and action.

For more info on the UPR please see: https://www.upr-info.org/en/review/Malaysia

Please RSVP by sending an email to