The Padova Model UPR offers students from around the world a unique opportunity to learn about human rights, democracy and diplomacy in an interactive and engaging manner. Students will be assigned different roles: representatives of States under Review, members of the Troika, Reviewing States, or delegates of Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) and National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs). During the simulation, you assess and analyse each State's human rights situation, take part in interactive debates, and adopt recommendations. Professors from the University of Padova and the Human Rights Centre "Antonio Papisca", together with the student-led UPR Secretariat, provide guidance throughout the event. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and UPR Info support the week-long simulation exercise. The ninth annual event will take place on-site in Padova from 16 to 20 November 2026, and there are no participation fees. Application is open until 2 October 2026.
If you wish to participate: register for the practical course 229.029 “Model United Nations: Simulation of Universal Periodic Review in the UN Human Rights Council” (Prof. Gerd Oberleitner) in winter-term 2026/27, starting on 1 October 2026, where you will apply for the event as teams of four persons (for a state) or 2 persons (for NGOs and NHRIs). The course supports your participation, provides guidance, and allows you to gain ECTS for your work. You can already indicate your interest to participate via email to gerd.oberleitner(at)uni-graz.at. For questions contact clara.zausinger(at)uni-graz.at.
More information on https://unipd-centrodirittiumani.it/en/activities/padova-model-upr-9-edition-16-20-november-2026.