A/HRC/24/4 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 sixteenth session from 22 April to 3 May 2013. The review of Burkina Faso was held at the 2nd meeting on 22 April 2013. The delegation of Burkina Faso was headed by Ms. Julie Prudence Somda-Nigna, Minister for Human Rights and Civil Promotion. At its 10th meeting held on 26 April 2013, the Working Group adopted the report on Burkina Faso. 2. On 14 January 2013, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Burkina Faso: Benin, Indonesia and Ireland. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to resolution 16/21, the following documents were issued for the review of Burkina Faso: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/16/BFA/1); (b) A compilation prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/16/BFA/2 and Corr.1); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/16/BFA/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Mexico, Montenegro, Slovenia, Spain and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Burkina Faso 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. Ms. Julie Somda-Nigna, Minister for Human Rights and the Promotion of Civic Responsibility of Burkina Faso, said that the delegation of Burkina Faso was pleased to submit the second report of Burkina Faso to the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review. She said that the multi-institutional composition of the delegation would facilitate open and fruitful dialogue. She noted that the universal periodic review, based on periodic evaluation of implemented policies and measures and on reaffirmation of commitments, was consistent with her country’s policy of promoting and protecting human rights. 6. She noted that the report was a consensus document that had been prepared on a participatory and inclusive basis, and described human rights developments in Burkina Faso since the previous review. 7. Outlining changes in the normative framework, she said that several laws had been enacted in order to bring national legislation into line with international human rights standards. There were also plans to reform criminal law in Burkina Faso, including a review of the Criminal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure, in order to take account of human rights concerns. GE.13-15534 3