Call for Expressions of Interest – Funding to support civil society participation in the UN Universal Periodic Review Pre-sessions 2026
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality is offering grants of up to €3,000 to support Irish-based civil society representatives attending the UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Pre-sessions in Geneva, Switzerland. This funding initiative, which covers travel and subsistence costs for up to 10 individuals, aims to facilitate direct engagement with international human rights mechanisms between 26 and 28 August 2026.
Did You Know? The UN Universal Periodic Review process is currently in its Fourth Cycle, requiring a whole-of-government approach to coordinate Ireland’s human rights reporting and the implementation of UN recommendations.
Eligibility and Application Process
To qualify for the grant, organizations must have submitted a stakeholder report to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) regarding Ireland’s Fourth Cycle UPR. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of registration or accreditation for the Pre-sessions, which are managed independently by UPR Info.
The application window opened on 15 June 2026 and closes at 17:30 on Monday 29 June 2026. Interested parties must submit the required application form to [email protected]. An Assessment Committee, consisting of members from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC), will evaluate submissions.
Why Civic Engagement Matters
The Irish Government supports this participation to bolster transparency, accountability, and the practical application of human rights commitments. By attending the Pre-sessions, civil society organizations (CSOs) can present specific concerns directly to Permanent Missions in Geneva. This interaction informs the international review of Ireland’s human rights record before the formal UPR Working Group session scheduled for 10 November 2026.
Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that this funding reflects the state’s recognition that human rights oversight is most effective when it bridges the gap between grassroots advocacy and international diplomatic forums. By prioritizing joint submissions and groups covering multiple protected grounds, the government is likely aiming to ensure the UN receives a comprehensive, rather than fragmented, view of Ireland’s domestic human rights landscape.
What May Happen Next
Following the 6 July 2026 notification date, successful applicants will likely begin coordinating their travel logistics to Geneva. Because the Assessment Committee may exercise discretion to ensure a balanced cohort, it is possible that the final selection will represent a diverse cross-section of Irish society. Organizations that do not receive funding may still participate in the Pre-sessions independently, provided they meet the accreditation requirements set by UPR Info.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for the funding?
Irish-based civil society organizations that have made a stakeholder submission to the OHCHR for the Fourth Cycle UPR and have secured registration or accreditation for the Pre-sessions.
How much funding is available per organization?
Successful applicants are awarded a grant of up to €3,000 to cover travel and subsistence, with a limit of one funded representative per organization or coalition.
What criteria are used if there are too many applicants?
Priority is given to joint or coalition submissions, organizations representing multiple protected grounds, and those that participated in prior stakeholder consultation events held by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality or the IHREC.
How do you believe direct civil society participation in international reviews impacts local policy change?