Senegal continues to demonstrate its commitment to the respect and promotion of human rights through its regular participation in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a central mechanism of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Agropasteur newspaper takes stock of the progress made by the country within this framework.Established in 2008, the UPR is the only UN mechanism that periodically assesses the human rights situation in all UN Member States. It serves as a national accountability tool, aimed at encouraging governments to report on their compliance with their international human rights obligations.Since the introduction of this mechanism, Senegal has taken part in all review cycles, thereby demonstrating its willingness to cooperate with international bodies and its commitment to continuously improving its legal and institutional human rights framework.During the various reviews, Senegalese authorities have submitted their national reports within the required deadlines and accepted a significant number of recommendations made by the reviewing States. This approach reflects an acknowledgment of persistent challenges and a clear willingness to undertake reforms, in a spirit of constructive dialogue with the international community.Among the progress highlighted by Senegal under the UPR is the strengthening of the legal and institutional framework. Several legislative reforms have been initiated or consolidated to better protect fundamental rights, particularly those of women and children, to combat human trafficking, and to improve access to justice.The country also relies on national institutions dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights, such as the Senegalese Human Rights Committee (CSDH), as well as public structures responsible for social protection and support for vulnerable groups.In the reports submitted to the UPR, Senegal emphasizes public policies aimed at strengthening economic, social, and cultural rights. Poverty reduction programs, improved access to education and healthcare, universal health coverage, and family security grants are regularly cited as major levers for improving the living conditions of the population.These initiatives are part of the gradual implementation of the country’s international commitments, particularly those arising from conventions on economic and social rights.Another notable development concerns the increasingly active participation of civil society organizations in the UPR process. NGOs, human rights organizations, and the media contribute to the preparation of alternative reports and take part in national consultations, thereby strengthening the transparency, inclusiveness, and credibility of the mechanism.Despite these advances, several challenges remain. Conditions of detention, prison overcrowding, the protection of civic space, freedom of expression, and the fight against certain forms of discrimination are among the concerns regularly raised during Senegal’s reviews. The authorities also acknowledge the need to accelerate the effective implementation of certain accepted recommendations.Ultimately, the Universal Periodic Review remains for Senegal a strategic tool for assessment, guidance, and national accountability in the field of human rights. The progress recorded reflects a positive dynamic, which nevertheless calls for rigorous follow-up and concrete actions in order to sustainably consolidate achievements and meet the legitimate expectations of the population.Resist the Gag: Countering Hostile Reactions to Rights and Strengthening the Movement for Gender Equality and the Right to HealthBabacar SèneAgropasteur Newspaper