This autumn, we, a multinational team of five students, had the pleasure to represent the University of Graz at the sixth edition of the “Padova Model UPR”.
The Universal Periodic Review Mechanism (UPR) is the UN Human Rights Council’s core mechanism that allows states to review other states’ human rights situations every 4,5 years. Each year, the University of Padova organises a simulation of this unique mechanism. This year, we represented the state of Mexico and found ourselves in a highly interesting situation from the very beginning of the UPR process. It was especially a challenge to play the “devil’s advocate” and take on the role of state representatives in a multilateral setting to authentically promote Mexico’s development on the human rights front, rather than defending the views of civil society.
Leading up to our week in Padova we were accompanied by Prof. Oberleitner and Sophia Urban, who, in our weekly meetings, supported us through every step with an amazing amount of patience and dedication. They solved our confusions, provided valuable feedback, and again and again answered all of our questions.
And then finally the wait had an end. Our national report was written, the speeches more or less prepared and the appartement booked. What awaited us in Padova was a truly unforgettable week:
Almost like holidays but also kind of the total opposite. We experienced a week with almost no sleep, high stress, a lot of work, and certainly too much Pizza. But also, a week full of meeting amazing people, great team spirit, adrenaline, learnings, and all in all a lot of fun. We argued, lobbied, held speeches, recommended, accepted, noted, and defended our country through the art of diplomacy. Time to lean back and enjoy was only given during the speeches of the events special guest, Mr. Ngefa, UPR branch chief at OHCHR.
In the end, all the hard work paid off, as our team was awarded with the “Best Recommending State” award and placed second in the category for “Best State Under Review.”
In conclusion:
1. We strongly suggest you take part in this brilliant event next year!
2. We again thank Sophia and Prof. Oberleitner for their magnificent support!
3. We thank all of our team for this fruitful Model UPR!
Muchas gracias!
Paula Andrea Urrea Cardenas, Raimond Nrecaj, Sebastian Braumüller, Roméo Savary de Beauregard, Gagandeep Thippenahalli Srinivas
