A/HRC/42/2 (a) The national report submitted by Portugal in accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21 (A/HRC/WG.6/33/PRT/1); (b) The compilation prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21 (A/HRC/WG.6/33/ PRT/2); (c) The summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21 (A/HRC/WG.6/33/ PRT/3). 535. At its 25th meeting, on 20 September 2019, the Human Rights Council considered and adopted the outcome of the review of Portugal (see section C below). 536. The outcome of the review of Portugal comprises the report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (A/HRC/42/7) and the views of Portugal concerning the recommendations and/or conclusions, as well as its voluntary commitments and its replies to questions or issues that were not sufficiently addressed during the interactive dialogue in the Working Group, and which were presented before the adoption of the outcome by the plenary (see also A/HRC/42/7/Add.1). 1. Views expressed by the State under review on the recommendations and/or conclusions, its voluntary commitments and the outcome 537. The head of the delegation and Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Portugal to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Geneva, Rui Macieira, stated that Portugal was deeply committed to the promotion and protection of human rights, as enshrined in the Constitution. Achieving universal respect for all human rights was for Portugal a priority. For these reasons, Portugal had always supported the Human Rights Council and its universal periodic review mechanism, which contributed to promote and defend human rights through an open dialogue between States. 538. Portugal had actively engaged in this exercise in a transparent and open manner, and considered the received recommendations very useful to enhance the areas where the country has been progressing and overcoming shortcomings. In the human rights sphere, there were no perfect countries, but countries committed to a constant path of improvement and progress towards the full realization of human rights. 539. The three reviews Portugal underwent - in 2009, 2014 and more recently in May 2019 – provided an excellent opportunity to reflect on the progress Portugal made and to set new goals for the future. Portugal recognized that the implementation of the range of received recommendations has contributed to improving the human rights situation in the country. 540. The delegation thanked the 95 delegations, which actively participated in the dialogue with Portugal, with more countries participating in the May 2019 review than in 2014. This fact demonstrated the growing recognition of the importance and effectiveness of the universal periodic review mechanism. Portugal also addressed special thanks to the troika of countries responsible for preparing the report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review. 541. Immediately following the May 2019 review, Portugal accepted 229 of the 245 recommendations received. In the addendum to the Working Group report, Portugal ultimately accepted 231 recommendations and noted 14. 542. The delegation was pleased to note that, in general, recommendations were made on a positive tone, acknowledging Portugal’s progress and efforts in many areas. Several countries praised the advances on the area of LGBTI rights. Portugal’s role as coordinator of 84