A/HRC/10/75 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 third session from 1 to 15 December 2008. The review of the United Arab Emirates was held at the 7th meeting, on 4 December 2008. The delegation of the United Arab Emirates was headed by H.E. Dr. Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. At its meeting on 9 December 2008, the Working Group adopted the present report on the United Arab Emirates. 2. On 8 September 2008, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of the United Arab Emirates: Argentina, Cameroon and Indonesia. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of the United Arab Emirates: (a) A national report submitted / written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/3/ARE/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.6/3/ARE/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR, in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/3/ARE/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Denmark, Germany, Latvia, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to the United Arab Emirates 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. The head of the delegation of the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Dr. Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, stated that the process of compiling the universal periodic review report was a combined effort, conducted by a specifically formed committee that represented Government authorities and civil society organizations, including human rights and journalists associations. Several members of the delegation were involved in the compilation of the report. 6. The Minister said that, amid a rapid modernization process, the United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven emirates, has had a challenging yet progressive track record on human rights issues. The Government intends to do better by sharing its experiences and learning from the best practices of the international community. This aspiration stems from its own cultural heritage and religious values, which enshrine justice, equality and tolerance. As part of these efforts, the Government has already ratified a number of international conventions, as listed in the national report. 7. The State’s commitment to equality and social justice for all citizens is ingrained in the Constitution, which also outlines the freedoms and rights of all citizens, prohibits torture,