Аt its 46^th regular session taking place at the UN headquarters in Geneva the Human Rights Council adopted the final outcome document of Bulgaria within the third cycle of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism.

The Bulgarian delegation was headed by Ambassador Yuri Sterk, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Bulgaria to the United Nations Office in Geneva. Bulgaria accepted 193 out of the 233 recommendations addressed to the country by 91 delegations during the  interactive dialogue at the United Nations.

Ambassador Yuri Sterk outlined in his statement the measures adopted at national level after the presentation by Bulgaria of its national report within the Universal Periodic Review process on 6 November 2020, and intended to ensure  progress in a number of priority areas: the rule of law and freedom of expression, as well as media freedom; promotion of gender equality; protection from domestic violence; combatting discrimination and hate crimes; addressing other forms of intolerance and antisemitism; promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities and other persons belonging to vulnerable groups.

The Ombudsperson of Bulgaria, Ms. Diana Kovatcheva, in her capacity as representative of the National Human Rights Institution /NHRI/, as well as delegates from twelve other UN member states, UNICEF and representatives of four Non-governmental organisations made comments on the Bulgarian report and the position of the Government on the recommendations received. Upon proposal by the delegations, the Human Rights Council adopted unanimously the Universal Periodic Review outcome of Bulgaria.

The Universal Periodic Review is a monitoring mechanism applicable on equal footing to all 193 member states of the United Nations in respect of their human rights records. This is the universal forum for reviewing the respect and fulfilment by all states of their international obligations and commitments.