A/HRC/19/3 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 twelfth session from 3 to 14 October 2011. The review of Tajikistan was held at the 1st meeting on 3 October 2011. The delegation of Tajikistan was headed by Bakhtiyor Khudoyarov, Minister of Justice of the Republic of Tajikistan. At its 5th meeting held on 5 October 2011, the Working Group adopted the report on Tajikistan. 2. On 20 June 2011, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Tajikistan: Costa Rica, Mauritius and Thailand. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Tajikistan: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/12/TJK/1); (b) A compilation prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/12/TJK/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/12/TJK/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Canada, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Tajikistan 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. The delegation considered the universal periodic review an important instrument to ensure dialogue, improve the fulfilment of the State’s commitments towards human rights and assess the positive changes as well as problems that the country faced. 6. Despite the challenges encountered since independence, Tajikistan became a fullfledged member of the international community and declared the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms a priority in its policy. Tajikistan adhered to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and acceded to seven core human rights treaties. 7. The Constitution recognized the supremacy of international legal acts over the national legislation. A number of State bodies have been established to implement Tajikistan’s international obligations, including the Commission on Ensuring the Fulfilment of International Obligations in the Field of Human Rights. The first Human Rights Ombudsman was appointed in 2009, based on the 2008 Law on the Human Rights Ombudsman. 8. Tajikistan has cooperated with the United Nations human rights treaty bodies. The delegation reported on visits by three Special Rapporteurs conducted over the period 2005– 2008, the upcoming visit by the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing, as well as on invitations to visit the country extended by Tajikistan to the Special Rapporteurs on the 3