By Sr. Margaret Lynch, Good Shepherd International Justice and Peace Coordinator
On December 2, 2025, Good Shepherd International Justice and Peace and the National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd released a joint statement. The statement outlines their concern that the US withdrawal from the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) endangers the most effective process for the protection of Universal Human Rights.
This follows the United States’ announcement on August 28, 2025, that it would withdraw from the UPR—the process through which every country’s human rights record is examined by the international community. This marks the first time since the UPR’s creation in 2006 that any Member State has fully disengaged from its own review.
For the Good Shepherd mission, which is grounded in the dignity of every person and the transformation of unjust structures, the UPR is an important tool for lifting up the voices of those who are often unheard—women and girls, migrants, people living in poverty, and survivors of violence. The U.S. withdrawal is therefore deeply troubling.
What is the UPR?
The UPR is a cooperative, non-politicized mechanism designed so that all governments, regardless of power or size, demonstrate their progress and challenges in respecting human rights. Civil society organizations, faith-based groups, and community advocates contribute vital information, ensuring the lived realities of vulnerable groups are represented.
Why the Withdrawal Matters
This decision comes at a time of significant human rights concern within the United States. Civil society reports submitted earlier this year highlight issues, including:
- ongoing racial discrimination
- increased hardship for migrants and asylum seekers
- the shrinking space for civic participation
- poverty, food insecurity, and climate-related harm
- erosion of protections for women, girls, and marginalized communities
Over 100 U.S.-based civil society organizations prepared detailed reports for the UPR, hoping the process would bring greater international attention and accountability. The U.S. government’s withdrawal removes a crucial avenue for such scrutiny.
A Risk to the Global Human Rights System
The universality of the UPR is essential to its credibility. The U.S., a state with significant influence, stepping away from the process risks encouraging others to do the same. This threatens the global framework designed to protect the dignity and rights of all people—especially those whose lives are most vulnerable to injustice.
Moving Forward
The Human Rights Council has postponed the U.S. review until November 2026, urging renewed engagement. In the meantime, civil society—including faith-based organizations—continues to speak out.
As Good Shepherd, we remain committed to standing with communities whose voices must not be silenced. We will continue to support advocacy efforts that call governments to protect human dignity, uphold human rights, and pursue the common good.
