A/HRC/8/38 Page 3 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its second session from 5 to 19 May 2008. The review of Guatemala was held at the 4th meeting on 6 May 2008. The delegation of Guatemala was headed by H.E. Mr. Lars Henrik Pira, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, and composed of 17 members, see annex below. At its 9th meeting held on 9 May 2008, the Working Group adopted the present report on Guatemala. 2. On 28 February 2008, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Guatemala: Brazil, Gabon, and Slovenia. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Guatemala: (a) A national report submitted in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/2/GTM/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.6/2/GTM/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR, in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/2/GTM/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Guatemala 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. At the 4th meeting, on 6 May 2008, Mr. Lars Henrik Pira, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala, introduced the national report and explained that the UPR process allowed different divisions in the executive, judicial and legislative branches to embark on a joint reflection on human rights, in the present administration’s first year in office. 6. The Government recognized the complexity of the problems the country faces, including the process of consolidation of the country’s democracy, the legacy of internal armed conflict, an increase in common and organized crime, drug trafficking and other socio-economic problems that also affect various countries of the region. 7. Guided by the Peace Accords as the consensus reached by different sectors of society on how to construct a more just, equal and participative nation, the Government vowed to continue giving priority to human rights in the exercise of public function, with the involvement and participation of all national actors. 8. In the area of civil and political rights, the Government highlighted efforts to provide citizen security, combat impunity, and strengthen the rule of law by strengthening the justice sector, identified by the Government as one of the main weaknesses of the State. On judicial reform, the Government has provided human rights training to judges, established five justice administration centres in remote areas, created mobile and duty courts to facilitate access to justice for persons with scarce resources and those inhabiting rural areas. 9. The Government also noted the creation of the Unit on Trafficking of Persons in the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the institutional strengthening of other specialized sections and advances in