Important Facts of the News
- Event: Universal Periodic Review (UPR) 50, held at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
- Delivered by: Eleanor Sanders, UK Ambassador for Human Rights to the United Nations.
- Date of delivery: 6 November 2025.
- Published by: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, United Kingdom.
- Key praises: Bulgaria’s inclusion of sexual orientation in hate crime laws and updates to the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act.
- Main concerns: Definition of sexual assault not aligned with global norms and restrictions on LGBT+ education content.
- Recommendations: Transparent judicial appointments, repeal of 2024 school law amendment, and clearer definition of sexual assault in the Penal Code.
UK Commends Bulgaria’s Progress on Human Rights
At the 50th session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Geneva, the United Kingdom’s Ambassador for Human Rights to the UN, Eleanor Sanders, expressed appreciation for Bulgaria’s ongoing engagement with the international human rights framework. Speaking before the Human Rights Council, Sanders acknowledged Bulgaria’s positive steps, particularly its decision to include sexual orientation in hate crime definitions and its legal amendments to strengthen protection against domestic violence.
She further welcomed legislative efforts aimed at resolving long-standing administrative challenges, such as the absence of address registration in official identity documents, an issue that has particularly affected Bulgaria’s Roma community.
Concerns Over Sexual Assault Definition and LGBT+ Restrictions
While recognising Bulgaria’s progress, the UK delegation raised serious concerns over the country’s current definition of sexual assault, which they believe falls short of international standards. Sanders also noted apprehension about a recently enacted ban on what is described as “LGBT+ propaganda” within the national school curriculum, warning that such measures could undermine human rights commitments and equality.
Recommendations for Strengthening Legal and Institutional Frameworks
The UK urged Bulgaria to ensure that future appointments to public bodies, particularly within key judicial institutions such as the Supreme Judicial Council, its Inspectorate, and the State Prosecution, are conducted through transparent and merit-based processes. Such steps, the UK emphasised, are vital for maintaining judicial independence and public trust.
London also called on Sofia to repeal the 2024 amendments to the Preschool and School Education Act, which prohibit the discussion of so-called “non-traditional sexual orientation propaganda” in schools. Furthermore, the UK recommended that Bulgaria revise its Penal Code to offer a clearer, internationally consistent definition of sexual assault and to simplify the criteria establishing the absence of consent.
Conclusion
The United Kingdom reaffirmed its support for Bulgaria’s ongoing human rights reforms while encouraging further alignment with global standards. Sanders concluded her remarks by expressing confidence that continued cooperation under the UPR framework would help advance equality, justice, and protection for all communities in Bulgaria.