Letter to Minister McEntee about UPR and Civil Society

Letter to Minister McEntee about the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission's submission to the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process.

Minister Helen McEntee, T.D.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Iveagh House

80 St Stephen’s Green

D02 VY53

20 April 2026

Re: Ireland’s Fourth Universal Periodic Review – IHREC Submission and support for civil society participation in the UPR Pre-sessions

Dear Minister McEntee,

I am writing to inform you that the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) has now submitted its report to the UN Human Rights Council as part of Ireland’s fourth cycle Universal Periodic Review process. A copy of the report is attached for your information.

The Commission recognises the UPR as an important opportunity to support constructive and evidence-based engagement on Ireland’s human rights record, and to ensure that review of Ireland’s record continues to be informed by a broad range of perspectives. More than 60 civil society organisations participated in some capacity in the previous UPR in 2021, and last year several women’s groups were supported by the State to participate in-person during the review of Ireland under the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. Such civic engagement with international review mechanisms helps to strengthen rights protection at home by bringing independent evidence into the process, ensuring that affected communities are heard, and reinforcing accountability – altogether contributing to the overall credibility of the process at both the international and domestic level.

However, many CSOs, particularly smaller, newer or regional ones, are constrained from in-person participation by financial considerations. In that regard, we would like to encourage consideration by the State of providing financial support to enable a small number of Irish civil society organisations to travel to Geneva to participate in the UPR Pre-Sessions, which are scheduled for 25 August 2026.

Such support could be provided in the form of a grant scheme or similar funding mechanism. We note that this need not involve any role for the State in selecting recipient organisations, as participation in the Pre-Sessions is independently organised by UPR Info, which determines the groups invited to take part. State support would therefore facilitate participation while fully respecting the independence of the process.

Supporting civil society engagement in this way would, in our view, demonstrate Ireland’s ongoing commitment to meaningful participation in international human rights processes and to strengthening the effectiveness, inclusivity, and credibility of the UPR mechanism. It would also align with the priorities underpinning Ireland’s campaign for election to the Human Rights Council, including support for civil society space, as well as demonstrate Ireland’s continued leadership in upholding multilateralism and the international human rights system, at a time when these systems are under sustained stress.

We anticipate that applications for the Pre-Sessions will open in May. A timely indication of support from the State would send a positive signal to Irish civil society that their participation in UPR is welcomed and supported.

I am corresponding with Minister Foley about this matter too. IHREC would welcome the opportunity to discuss this proposal further, and we look forward to continued engagement with both Departments as Ireland’s UPR process progresses.

Is mise, le meas,

Liam Herrick

Chief Commissioner