A/HRC/12/15 Page 3 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its fifth session from 4 to 15 May 2009. The review of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was held at the 14th meeting, on 12 May 2009. The delegation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was headed by H.E. Mihajlo Manevski, Minister of Justice. At its 17th meeting, on 15 May 2009, the Working Group adopted the present report on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. 2. On 8 September 2008, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia: Slovakia, Bangladesh and Germany. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia: (a) A national report submitted in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/5/MKD/1); (b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/5/MKD/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/5/MKD/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by the Czech Republic, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Argentina, Denmark and Hungary was transmitted to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the UPR. I. SUMMARY OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE REVIEW PROCESS A. Presentation by the State under review 5. In his opening speech, the Minister of Justice provided a short overview of the national report. He outlined the relevant constitutional provisions concerning the protection and promotion of human rights. 6. Article 8 of the Constitution of the country enshrines the core values of the constitutional order, which are the fundamental freedoms and rights of the individual and citizen, recognized by international law and established by the Constitution, free expression of national affiliation and equality of citizens and principle of non-discrimination. Pursuant to article 9 of the Constitution, “citizens are equal in their freedoms and rights, regardless of the gender, race, skin color, national and social background, political and religious affiliation, financial and social situation. All citizens are equal before the Constitution and the laws”. It is established that the life, physical and moral integrity and freedom are inviolable. 7. There is no death sentence in the country, and any form of torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment is prohibited. Freedom of religion, free and public expression of faith are guaranteed. At the same time, citizens are guaranteed freedom of association to pursue and safeguard their political, economic, social, cultural and other rights and beliefs. Citizens have the