A/HRC/21/6 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 thirteenth session from 21 May to 4 June 2012. The review of Bahrain was held at the 1st meeting on 21 May 2012. The delegation of Bahrain was headed by Salah Bin Ali Mohamed Abdulrahman, Minister of State for Human Rights. At its 10th meeting held on 25 May 2012, the Working Group adopted the report on Bahrain 2. On 3 May 2012, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Bahrain: Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and Spain. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 16/21 of 25 March 2011, the following documents were issued for the review of Bahrain: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/13/BHR/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.6/13/BHR/2); (c) A summary prepared by (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/13/BHR/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Bahrain 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 head of delegation expressed Bahrain’s appreciation to the Council and to the international organizations of the United Nations for the support provided to the kingdom. He especially thanked OHCHR for the programme resulting from the universal periodic review (UPR) over the past four years, which contributed effectively to enhancing the capacity of the concerned authorities regarding the implementation of commitments and recommendations of the UPR, and hoped that this fruitful cooperation and support would continue in the future. 6. Bahrain recalled that it was the first member State to undergo the Human Rights Council review in 2008. Having 565 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as of early 2012, Bahrain initiated the review for its second report, including its achievements, with the partnership of all concerned entities, including governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as civil society actors. 7. The delegation stated that the past four years had been full of events and developments. Much has been documented with regard to the advancement of human rights at various levels, and the kingdom does not claim to be perfect nor free from obstacles that hinder the implementation of the recommendations and commitments. However, with determination and the will to accomplish honest work, Bahrain will overcome these constraints. 3