A/HRC/8/45 Page 3 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 second session from 5 to 19 May 2008. The review of Ukraine was held at the 11th meeting on 13 May 2008. The delegation of Ukraine was headed by Mr. Yevhen Korniychuk, First Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Justice. For the composition of the delegation, composed of 13 members, see annex below. At its 15th meeting held on 15 May 2008, the Working Group adopted the present report on Ukraine. 2. On 28 February 2008, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Ukraine: Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, and Guatemala. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Ukraine : (a) A national report submitted in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/2/UKR/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.6/2/UKR/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR, in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/2/UKR/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Russian Federation, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Ukraine through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the Universal Periodic Review. I. SUMMARY OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE REVIEW PROCESS A. Presentation by the State under review 5. At the 11th meeting, on 13 May 2008, Mr. Yeven Korniychuk, First Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Justice, introduced the national report. He expressed appreciation and support for the work of the Human Rights Council that was, in his opinion, one of most remarkable achievements of the 2005 World Summit. The Ukrainian Government had been striving to develop economic, social and cultural, as well as social and political rights with the aim at ensuring better life quality for all. Compliance with international legal standards and the establishment of a system of protection of human rights was an essential element of the Government’s action. Through the presentation of its national report, Ukraine wishes to demonstrate its openness and interest in discussing an assessment of the human rights situation in the country. The national report was prepared by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs with contributions from the Ministries of Justice, Interior, Family-Youth and Sports, Education, the State Committee on Nationalities and Religious Affairs, the General Prosecutor’s Office, the State Department on the Enforcement of Sentences and several non-governmental organizations. 6. The representative of Ukraine moved to consideration of the most significant features of the Government human rights action. Life conditions in prison and correctional institutions have been improving with the adoption of the new Criminal Procedure Code in 2003, which entered into force in January 2004, especially with the introduction of new alternative forms of punishment, which has