A/HRC/13/14 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 sixth session from 30 November to 11 December 2009. The review of Brunei Darussalam was held at the 13th meeting on 8 December 2009. The delegation of Brunei Darussalam was headed by H.E. Mr. Pehin Dato Lim Jock Seng, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II. At its 17th meeting held on 11 December 2009, the Working Group adopted the present report on Brunei Darussalam. 2. On 7 September 2009, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Brunei Darussalam: France, Indonesia and Zambia. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Brunei Darussalam: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/6/BRN/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.6/6/BRN/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/6/BRN/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Argentina, Czech Republic, Germany, Latvia, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Brunei Darussalam through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the Working Group. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. The delegation of Brunei Darussalam welcomed the universal periodic review process as an opportunity to share its experiences and perspectives in promoting and protecting human rights, as well as to give an account of what is being done and challenges that it faces. 6. Its national report had laid out the institutional and legal provisions, focusing on the Constitution, domestic legislation and policies pertaining to the promotion and protection of human rights, highlighting the rights of children, women, persons with disabilities and the elderly. It also set out policies in promoting education for all, access to health services, adequate housing, treatment and rehabilitation of offenders, economic opportunities and religious tolerance. Brunei Darussalam cited its membership of a number of regional and international organizations. 7. The delegation noted that, to put current efforts into perspective, it was important to understand the historical and cultural aspects of the country. Brunei Darussalam is an old Malay Kingdom. One of its first recorded histories from the European sources was in 1521, when Antonio Pigafetta came to Brunei Darussalam as part of Ferdinand Magellan’s voyage to the Spice Islands. However, Brunei Darussalam can trace its history further back to more than a thousand years ago, when its first external relation was established, with 3