51st Session of the UPR Working Group

From 19 to 30 January 2026, the 51st Session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group will take place in Geneva. During this session, UN Member States will review national human rights records and issue recommendations to strengthen the protection of human rights worldwide.. 

Countries under review during this session include Australia, Austria, Georgia, Lebanon, Mauritania, Micronesia, Nauru, Nepal, Oman, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and São Tomé and Príncipe. 

For the full schedule of all UPR sessions, see the official calendar: UPR Calendar

As FMSI, together with the Marist Brothers, youth and children, we actively contributed to the drafting of the UPR submissions for Australia, Lebanon, and Rwanda. For these countries, we also took part in the EU pre-sessions, bringing to the international arena the recommendations and voices of children, collected through our projects and child participation processes. Ensuring that children’s perspectives are heard at the highest international level is a key part of our commitment to a child-rights-based approach and meaningful participation.

 Lebanon

Children and young people involved in the Fratelli Project raised serious concerns in our UPR submission on children’s rights — particularly around education, child labour, access to documentation, and basic needs. 

During the European Union pre-session, they strongly emphasised the need to ensure that every child — regardless of nationality, socio-economic status or legal background — has access to primary and secondary education. As highlighted in our report, many children in Lebanon still face major barriers linked to poverty, displacement, school fees, transportation costs and the deterioration of public education. In their own words: 

                                  “We want real education, not just a place to sit.” 

Guaranteeing universal access to quality education is essential to preventing school dropout, child labour and long-term exclusion. Children also called on Lebanon to provide identification documents to all children, including refugee, migrant and undocumented children, so they can access education, healthcare and essential public services. 

“Some of us don’t even have legal papers… we can’t register for school or move freely.” 

Finally, they urged the State to recognise and uphold the intrinsic dignity and value of every child, regardless of social status, religion, education or legal situation. In a context of deep social fragmentation, children repeatedly asked to have their abilities, voices and potential acknowledged. 

We hope Lebanon will take meaningful steps forward on these key issues. 

Read our UPR report: PDF

Watch the review of Lebanon (19 January, 2:30 CET): UN WebTV

Rwanda

During the European Union pre-session, children and young people in Rwanda clearly expressed that education is not only a fundamental right, but a pathway to dignity, empowerment and future opportunities. As one student told us: 

“Every student, regardless of background, deserves equal access to quality learning so they can reach their full potential.” 

Children highlighted the importance of ensuring equitable access to quality primary and secondary education for all, including those affected by poverty, disability or displacement. They also stressed the need to strengthen inclusive education systems, through better learning materials, digital access, teacher training and safer, more supportive school environments. 

Persistent challenges such as high repetition rates and low completion levels were raised as obstacles that risk undermining children’s long-term prospects if not addressed through targeted national strategies. 

Young people also strongly emphasised that child protection is essential to their well-being and development. One student shared: 

“Every child deserves care, safety, and a peaceful environment… When children are protected, they develop confidence and joy.” 

They called for continued investment in child protection systems, including adequately funded services, trained professionals and strong community-based mechanisms. Mental health and psychosocial support for children and adolescents emerged as a key priority, alongside the promotion of safe and non-violent environments in schools and communities. 

Across all discussions, children made it clear that education and protection are deeply interconnected. When children feel safe, they are able to learn; and when they learn, they are better equipped to grow, participate and thrive. 

These priorities echo the broader concerns raised in our UPR submission, including youth development and opportunities, children’s overall well-being, and the need for infrastructure and development that truly respond to children’s rights. 

As Rwanda approaches its UPR review, we extend our best wishes for a constructive and successful process. We hope this review will translate into renewed commitment and concrete action to ensure that every child in Rwanda can learn safely, grow with dignity, and look to the future with hope. 

Read our UPR report: PDF

Watch the review of Rwanda (21 January, 9:00 CET): UN WebTv

AUSTRALIA

Children and young people involved in our Marist school and social works raised key concerns in our UPR submission on children’s rights in Australia, particularly in relation to youth crime, child protection, and the situation of refugee and asylum-seeking children. 

While overall youth offending has declined, recidivism rates remain alarmingly high. This points to systemic shortcomings in rehabilitation, detention conditions and long-term reintegration support. Young people themselves highlighted the need for justice responses that are centred on care, healing and accountability, rather than punishment alone. 

Raising the age of criminal responsibility and strengthening trauma-informed mental health and psychosocial support are essential steps to ensure that youth justice systems respond to children in line with their rights and developmental needs. Children also stressed the importance of consistent, long-term accompaniment after release, including mentoring and social-worker-based support to help young people reconnect with education, employment and community life. Without these pathways, many adolescents risk being trapped in cycles of reoffending and exclusion. 

At the same time, children and young people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds drew attention to persistent barriers to education, financial stability and long-term integration. Prolonged uncertainty linked to temporary visa regimes continues to affect children’s wellbeing, learning outcomes and future opportunities. Targeted educational support, alongside transition programmes focused on financial literacy and employment readiness, were identified as crucial to helping families move towards independence and stable housing. 

At the heart of their message is a clear call: children must be protected, supported and empowered — never left behind because of their background or legal status 

Read our UPR report: PDF

Watch the review of Australia (26 January, 9:00 CET): UN WebTV