The GHRH holds its first Training on the Universal Periodic Review of Lebanon

From 19 to 21 January 2026, the Geneva Human Rights Hub held its first training workshop, welcoming four Lebanese academics to Geneva for an in depth engagement with the Universal Periodic Review of Lebanon. Organised in partnership with the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights (University of Oslo), the workshop marked both the first training delivered by the GHRH and the first joint training initiative between the two institutions.

Held during the 51st session of the UPR Working Group, the programme took place at the GHRH headquarters, as well as at the Palais des Nations and Palais Wilson. The timing enabled participants to observe Lebanon’s review directly on-site and to connect theoretical knowledge with the realities of intergovernmental practice.

Over three days, the training combined expert briefings, observation of the UPR session, and exchanges with practitioners involved in the Council’s work. Sessions explored how the UPR fits within the broader UN human rights system, the dynamics of Council negotiations, the role of OHCHR, and the links between the UPR and the Sustainable Development Goals. Participants also attended a side event on the fourth cycle of Lebanon’s UPR, gaining additional insight into stakeholder engagement.

Reflecting on the experience, one participant noted: “I was very pleased to attend the workshop, engage with the trainers, and observe Lebanon’s UPR presentation. The experience provided valuable, first hand insight into the UPR process, as well as the opportunity to interact with members of the Lebanese delegation and representatives of several Lebanese NGOs.”

Victoire Berrebi, Project Officer at the GHRH, highlighted the importance of immersive learning: “Our objective was to provide participants with direct exposure to the Human Rights Council and to create space for substantive exchanges with practitioners. Observing the review in person allows for a deeper understanding of both the procedural framework and the political context in which the UPR operates.”

As the first training activity of the Geneva Human Rights Hub, the workshop represents an important milestone in the Hub’s Training Center capacity building work in Geneva.

Felix Kirchmeier, Director of the GHRH, emphasised the broader significance of the partnership: “This first joint training with the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights marks the beginning of a cooperation that we intend to develop further. Bringing academic expertise into direct contact with the work of the Human Rights Council is essential if we want to strengthen understanding of how multilateral human rights processes function in practice.”