This talk by Dr. Uchenna Emelonye focuses on the Universal Periodic Review of the United Nations Human Rights Council and aimed at eliciting research interests on a successor UPR+. The UPR is the only intergovernmental global process to review the human rights records of all UN Member States. Launched in 2006, it has witnessed almost universal participation by Member States in the three previous cycles. After 16 years, the 4th cycle of the UPR commenced in November 2022 and will conclude in February 2027. Amidst the multiple, complex and persistent challenges to the enjoyment of human rights in many countries, there is a need for research that explores a new UPR paradigm. 

Uchenna Emelonye is a Visiting Professor of Human Rights Law at Bournemouth University. With decades of multidisciplinary career experiences with the UN and other intergovernmental organizations across 22 countries in conflict, post conflict, transition and development contexts, his research interest is at the intersection and fusion of human rights law and practice. Professor Emelonye was admitted to the roll of Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1995 and holds a doctorate degree in Law (LL.D) from the University of Helsinki, Finland.