The 3rd Padova Model Universal Periodic Review (UPR), hosted by the Human Rights Centre of the University of Padova, is in the history books. The simulation of the UPR, a UN mechanism for the review of states’ human rights performance, gives students the chance to put themselves in the role of diplomats or representatives of human rights organizations/institutions for one semester.
The University of Graz’ team, consisting of Lena Al-Yazdi, Elisabeth Bauer, Stephanie Grasser, Mehanaz Kabir, Philipp Kainer, Sophia Urban and Angelika-Naemi Wendelin, was assigned the Syrian Arab Republic. The students had to take both state roles of the UPR for Syria, i.e. state under review and reviewing state. Of course, representing a state that has been in perpetual crisis for a decade and constantly criticized for grave human rights violations posed a challenge to the participants. As well, the event being held online due to COVID-19-related safety measures made it necessary for the students to get used to presenting their statements online. The team of the University of Graz, coached by UNESCO-Chair Gerd Oberleitner and Gregor Fischer in a dedicated university course, rose to the occasion during the 4-day event and was among the best 3 overall teams. Philipp Kainer was awarded as the best individual speaker of the event. With UNI-ETC undergraduate assistants Maria Brunner and Magdalena Pfeifenberger acting as members of the Secretariat of the Model UPR, the University of Graz was represented in the organization of the event as well. The team of the UNI-ETC congratulates "its" successful students as well as the Secretariat and the team of the Human Rights Centre “Antonio Papisca”, especially Prof. Paolo De Stefani, on another excellent edition of the Model UPR. May we meet again in person next year!