The UPR is a universal mechanism under the Human Rights Council that<img class="size-full wp-image-2390 alignright" src="http://asiacentre.co.th/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/upr_logo.jpg" alt="upr_logo" width="130" height="170" /> reviews the human rights situation in all 193 UN Member States once every four and a half years. By May 2016, all Southeast Asian states would have undergone two review cycles of their respective human rights situations under the UPR process. The region is politically diverse with member states varying in their national human rights protection systems, ratification of UN human rights instruments and level of civil society engagement. In relation to the UPR process, a key issue is how it contributes to the advancement of human rights in the region and what role it plays in relation to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and national human rights institutions (NHRIs).
<p class="remove-margin-top remove-margin-bottom"><strong>Themes</strong></p>
<p class="remove-margin-top remove-margin-bottom">This conference seeks to critically examine the UPR process and its impact on Southeast Asian States.  Key themes that will be treated are:</p>
<p class="remove-margin-top remove-margin-bottom">1. Effectiveness of the UPR in addressing human rights protection gaps within Southeast Asia
2. States adherence to UPR recommendations for improving the protection capacities of AICHR</p>
<p class="remove-margin-top remove-margin-bottom">3. States adherence to UPR recommendations for improving the protection capacities of NHRIs.</p>
<p class="remove-margin-top remove-margin-bottom">4. Development of an intra-regional linkages to formally engage with the UPR process</p>
<p class="remove-margin-top remove-margin-bottom">5. Challenges faced by civil society in engaging with the UPR process</p>
<p class="remove-margin-top">6. Other related themes</p>
<p class="remove-margin-top remove-margin-bottom"><strong>Objectives </strong>
This conference aims to achieve the following objectives:
Convene researchers working on human rights in Southeast Asia
Exchange views among the authors researching the UPR process in Southeast Asia
Publish the outcomes in a special issue journal and/or an edited book
Contribute to the academic literature on the UPR and human rights in Southeast Asia.</p>
<strong><img class=" wp-image-2391 alignleft" src="http://asiacentre.co.th/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/upr.jpg" alt="upr" width="319" height="212" /></strong>
<p class="remove-margin-top remove-margin-bottom"><strong>Conference Structure</strong></p>
<p class="remove-margin-top remove-margin-bottom">The conference will consist of thematic panels, country specific discussions and a final plenary session which will be open to civil society organisations and the academic community to facilitate knowledge sharing and networking opportunities.</p>
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<strong>Conference Fee</strong>
A conference fee of USD$200 will be charged to all participant, this will go towards covering the cost of the venue, tea breaks &amp; lunch on both days and organising the conference. There will be an early bird discount rate of USD$150 for registration and full payment made before 15 August 2016.

<strong>Submission Guidelines</strong>
Those who wish to attend or present a paper are invited to submit an abstract of 300 words along with a short biographical paragraph, in English to contact@asiacentre.co.th

<strong>Deadlines</strong>
Abstract Submission: open now until 30 May 2016
Notification of acceptance of abstracts: 15 June 2016
Payment of conference fees: 20 June 2016 (For Early Bird Discount)
21 June 2016 onwards (Regular Rate)
Full paper submission: 15 August 2016
<p class="clear-margins"><strong>Programme Outline</strong></p>
<p class="clear-margins">Day 1 (15 September 2016): 9am to 5pm</p>
<p class="clear-margins">Day 2 (16 September 2016): 9am to 5pm</p>
<p class="clear-margins">Day 3 (17 September 2016): 9am to 12noon</p>
<strong>Conveners:</strong> Professors James Gomez &amp; Robin Ramcharan
<strong>Host:</strong> Asia Centre, Bangkok, Thailand