SCR 188: supporting the implementation of the recommendations from all cycles of the Universal Periodic Review by the United Nations Human Rights Council, where applicable to the State.

THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	188
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

 

supporting the implementation of the recommendations from all cycles of the Universal Periodic Review by the United Nations Human Rights Council, where applicable to the State.

 

 

     WHEREAS, human rights and fundamental freedom are core values of the United States of America and the global community; and

 

     WHEREAS, the United Nations is rooted in universal human rights; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Universal Periodic Review is a process through which all United Nations member states review each other's human rights records; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Universal Periodic Review is an important opportunity to organize in one's community, classroom, and global civil society to realize human rights for all people; and

 

     WHEREAS, the United Nations Human Rights Council has scheduled the United States to be reviewed in November, 2026; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Universal Periodic Review provides for participatory engagement in public policy and provides a vision for the future of the nation; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Universal Periodic Review creates a chance to rejuvenate a culture of human rights across the country where every voice can contribute to creative campaigns for positive change for all; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Universal Periodic Review allows for a broad discussion and dialogue regarding holistic human rights guaranteeing individual dignity and collective equality; and

 

     WHEREAS, on November 5, 2010, the United States underwent the first ever Universal Periodic Review of its human rights record before the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva; and

 

     WHEREAS, the United States completed its second Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council at the Palace of Nations in Geneva on May 11, 2015; and

 

     WHEREAS, the most recent Universal Periodic Review covered major concerns and campaigns to achieve the article of the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, with the third cycle taking place on November 9, 2020; and

 

     WHEREAS, the review process provided an opportunity for the United States to identify human rights violations, develop solutions, and bring policies in line with international human rights standards; and

 

     WHEREAS, the recommendations from the three cycles of the Universal Periodic Review provided insight into the major human rights issues in the United States; and

 

     WHEREAS, the recommendations from the most recent fourth cycle can be reviewed and examined to be realized in the State; and

 

     WHEREAS, the human rights recommendations are also matched with the 2030 United Nations Agenda, linking each recommendation with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and covering the seventeen global goals on the ground in the nation's communities and state capitals; and

 

     WHEREAS, local and state officials across the United States have begun to take the lead to utilize the Universal Periodic Review as a positive tool to transform their communities; and

 

     WHEREAS, many civil society associations and non‑governmental organizations in the State participated in the preparation of stakeholder reports and hosted community dialogues for the Universal Periodic Review of the United States; and

 

     WHEREAS, a majority of the recommendations were taken directly from civil society stakeholder reports and subsequent study sheets that United Nations members used in the review process; and

 

     WHEREAS, the recommendations from all four cycles provided basis for basic human rights in the State; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Legislature supports the implementation of the recommendations from all cycles of the Universal Periodic Review by the United Nations Human Rights Council, where applicable to the State; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature supports the promotion of a culture of human rights based on the principles established in the Charter of the United Nations; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature encourages the greater participation in United Nations human rights, sustainable development, climate processes promoting rights and fundamental freedoms, and protecting the planet; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, High Commissioner for Human Rights of the United Nations, and members of Hawaiʻi's congressional delegation.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

 

Report Title: 

Universal Periodic Review; United Nations; Human Rights