A/HRC/21/5 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 thirteenth session from 21 May to 4 June 2012. The review of Tunisia was held at the third meeting, on 22 May 2012. The delegation of Tunisia was headed by Samir Dilou, Minister of Human Rights and Transitional Justice, Speaker of the Government. At its 10th meeting, held on 25 May 2012, the Working Group adopted the report on Tunisia. 2. On 3 May 2012, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Tunisia: Romania, Senegal, United States of America. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to resolution 16/21, the following documents were issued for the review of Tunisia: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/13/TUN/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/TUN/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/13/TUN/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Tunisia 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. Tunisia stated that it was pleased to present its second report under the universal periodic review (UPR), after over a year had passed since its glorious revolution, which had responded to the longing of the Tunisian people for freedom, dignity and social justice. This started a new era in the history of Tunisia. The democratic transition was characterized by the recognition of individual and collective rights, political pluralism and peaceful democratic dialogue, based on free and fair elections and the sovereignty of the people. Tunisia had put an end to practices of the past and was determined to continue on this path and create an atmosphere of trust, so that it could occupy the position it deserves among nations, as a country proud of its civilization, with an Arab Islamic identity, open to modern trends and attached to the values of peace, democracy and human rights. 6. In this spirit, Tunisia had prepared its second national report, in cooperation with various segments of civil society, whose contribution was contained in the report, and with the full participation of the Ministries responsible for human rights issues as well as the High Council for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The report had been prepared in the context of the radical changes following the revolution. Following the repression and marginalization of the past, Tunisia now sought to promote human rights, including by 3