A/HRC/15/15 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its eighth session from 3 to 14 May 2010. The review of Kuwait was held at the 15th meeting, on 12 May 2010. The delegation of Kuwait was headed by the Minister of Social Affairs and Labour, Lieutenant General Dr. Mohamad M. Al-Affasi. At its 17th meeting, held on 14 May 2010, the Working Group adopted the report on Kuwait. 2. On 7 September 2009, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Kuwait: Hungary, Indonesia and Madagascar. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Kuwait: (a) A national report submitted in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/8/KWT/1); (b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/8/KWT/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/8/KWT/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Argentina, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Switzerland, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Kuwait through the troika. Those questions are available on the extranet of the universal periodic review. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. The delegation noted with satisfaction the progress achieved by the universal periodic review mechanism. It stressed that the national report had been prepared by a committee composed of relevant State ministries and institutions as well as civil society organizations. 6. The national Constitution adopted by Kuwait in 1962 guaranteed the separation of powers while ensuring cooperation among them, and thus enhanced democracy and ensured human rights and fundamental freedoms. Despite a number of difficulties, including the Iraqi invasion of its territory in 1990 and the widespread destruction suffered by the State’s institutions and interests following that invasion, Kuwait had been able to re-establish economic, security and social stability. 7. The delegation indicated that the Constitutional Court represented a constitutional and legal umbrella guaranteeing and strengthening the various aspects of constitutional protection, safeguarding the proper interpretation of the Constitution’s provisions and ensuring that these were compatible with national legislation. It stated that many laws had been adopted to consolidate and strengthen human rights, such as the 2005 law granting to women all their political rights, which had paved the way for four women to enter parliament following the 2009 parliamentary elections and to hold some of the highest leadership positions in the State. 3