Deadline: 29-Jun-2026
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality is providing funding support for Irish Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to participate in the UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Pre-sessions 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. The funding helps CSOs engage directly with international human rights review processes and present evidence-based concerns about Ireland’s human rights commitments.
Eligible organisations can receive up to €3,000 to support travel and participation costs for the UPR Pre-sessions taking place from 26–28 August 2026.
What Is the UN UPR Pre-Sessions 2026 Funding Opportunity?
This funding opportunity supports Irish Civil Society Organisations participating in the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process.
The programme enables civil society representatives to contribute to Ireland’s Fourth Cycle UPR review by:
- Sharing human rights concerns
- Engaging with international stakeholders
- Providing evidence-based recommendations
- Supporting accountability and transparency
The funding is specifically designed to help organisations attend the UPR Pre-sessions in Geneva, Switzerland.
What Is the Universal Periodic Review (UPR)?
The Universal Periodic Review is a United Nations human rights mechanism that assesses the human rights records of UN Member States.
The process allows:
- Governments
- Civil society organisations
- Human rights institutions
- International stakeholders
to provide information and recommendations on human rights issues.
Purpose of the Funding
The grant aims to strengthen civil society participation in Ireland’s international human rights review.
It supports:
- Inclusive representation
- Human rights advocacy
- International engagement
- Stakeholder participation
Key Objectives
The funding priorities include:
Strengthening Civil Society Participation
The programme helps Irish CSOs participate effectively in international human rights discussions.
Supported organisations can:
- Attend UPR Pre-sessions
- Present evidence
- Engage with Permanent Missions
- Highlight key concerns
Promoting Accountability
The initiative supports stronger implementation of human rights commitments by encouraging:
- Transparency
- Monitoring
- Reporting
- Public engagement
Supporting Diverse Representation
The programme aims to include perspectives from organisations representing different communities and protected groups.
Priority areas include representation related to:
- Equality rights
- Disability rights
- Children’s rights
- Social inclusion
- Other human rights concerns
Event Details
Event:
UN UPR Pre-sessions 2026
Location:
Geneva, Switzerland
Dates:
26–28 August 2026
The Pre-sessions are organised by UPR Info before Ireland’s review by the UPR Working Group.
Ireland’s Fourth Cycle UPR Working Group review is scheduled for:
10 November 2026
Who Is Eligible?
The opportunity is open to Irish-based Civil Society Organisations.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be based in Ireland
- Have submitted a stakeholder report for Ireland’s Fourth Cycle UPR
- Be registered or accredited to attend the UPR Pre-sessions organised by UPR Info
Eligible Organisations Include
Examples may include organisations working on:
Stakeholder Submission Requirement
Applicants must have contributed to the UPR process by submitting information to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
This demonstrates active engagement with Ireland’s human rights review.
Funding Details
Total support:
Funding available for up to 10 representatives
Maximum grant per selected applicant:
€3,000
The funding must be used only for participation in the UPR Pre-sessions.
Eligible Costs
Funding can support:
Travel Expenses
Examples include:
- Transport to Geneva
- Travel-related costs
Subsistence Costs
Support may cover:
- Accommodation-related expenses
- Daily living costs during participation
Participation Costs
Funding is intended to enable attendance and involvement in the event.
Funding Restrictions
The grant cannot be used for unrelated activities.
Applicants must ensure spending directly supports UPR Pre-session participation.
Priority Selection Criteria
If applications exceed available funding, priority will be given to organisations that demonstrate stronger engagement.
Priority may be given to:
Coalition or Joint Submissions
Organisations that:
- Submitted joint stakeholder reports
- Coordinated coalition submissions
may receive priority.
Multiple Protected Grounds
Preference may be given to organisations representing issues across multiple protected areas.
Examples include:
- Equality
- Disability
- Children’s rights
- Human rights protections
Consultation Participation
Priority may also apply to organisations that participated in consultation events organised by:
- Department of Children, Disability and Equality
- Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
How Applications Are Assessed
Applications are reviewed by a committee including representatives from:
- Department of Children, Disability and Equality
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Independent expert representative
Assessment considers:
- Engagement with the UPR process
- Eligibility requirements
- Priority criteria
- Contribution to diverse civil society representation
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Applicants should confirm:
- Irish CSO status
- UPR stakeholder submission history
- Pre-session registration or accreditation
Step 2: Prepare Application Information
Applicants should provide:
- Organisation details
- Evidence of UPR involvement
- Participation plans
- Requested funding amount
Step 3: Submit Expression of Interest
Eligible CSOs must submit an Expression of Interest for funding support.
Step 4: Provide Required Documentation
Successful applicants must provide:
- Accreditation confirmation
- Participation evidence
- Financial details
Step 5: Receive Funding
Payments are made through electronic funds transfer after:
- Required documents are received
- Payment details are verified
Payment Requirements
Organisations must provide:
- Registered Charity Number or Tax Reference Number
- Valid Tax Clearance Certificate
- Required financial information
After the Event
The Department may request:
- Receipts
- Proof of attendance
- Supporting financial documents
These documents confirm that funds were used appropriately.
Why This Funding Matters
Civil society organisations play an important role in ensuring human rights issues are represented internationally.
This funding helps Irish organisations:
- Bring community experiences to global forums
- Influence international recommendations
- Strengthen human rights accountability
- Support inclusive policy development
Participation in the UPR process ensures that a wide range of voices contribute to Ireland’s human rights review.
Common Application Mistakes and Tips
Missing UPR Participation Evidence
Applicants must show involvement in the review process.
Tip: Include details of stakeholder submissions and consultation participation.
Lack of Accreditation Confirmation
Attendance at the Pre-sessions is required.
Tip: Secure registration or accreditation before funding release.
Unclear Budget Details
Funding is limited to participation costs.
Tip: Clearly explain travel and subsistence requirements.
Missing Tax Documentation
Payment requires financial compliance documents.
Tip: Prepare charity and tax documents early.
Limited Explanation of Human Rights Impact
Applications should explain the organisation’s contribution.
Tip: Describe the communities represented and issues addressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of this funding?
The funding supports Irish CSOs attending the UN UPR Pre-sessions 2026 in Geneva.
How much funding can organisations receive?
Selected applicants can receive up to €3,000.
Who can apply?
Irish-based Civil Society Organisations involved in Ireland’s Fourth Cycle UPR stakeholder process.
How many representatives can receive support?
Funding is available for up to 10 representatives, usually with one participant supported per organisation or coalition.
When are the UPR Pre-sessions taking place?
They will take place from 26–28 August 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland.
What costs are covered?
Travel and subsistence costs related to attending the Pre-sessions are eligible.
When will Ireland’s UPR Working Group review take place?
Ireland’s Fourth Cycle UPR review is scheduled for 10 November 2026.
Conclusion
The UN UPR Pre-Sessions 2026 Funding Support programme strengthens the role of Irish Civil Society Organisations in international human rights processes.
By supporting participation in Geneva, the initiative helps ensure that diverse civil society perspectives contribute to Ireland’s human rights review and future commitments.
For more information, visit gov.ie.