A/HRC/8/22 Page 3 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 first session from 7 to 18 April 2008. The review of Morocco was held at the fourth meeting held on 8 April 2008. The delegation of Morocco was headed by H.E. Mr. Abdelwahad Radi, Minister of Justice. For the composition of the delegation, composed of 18 members, see the appendix below. At its twelfth meeting held on 10 April 2008, the Working Group adopted the present report on Morocco. 2. On 28 February 2008, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Morocco: Romania, Madagascar and France. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Morocco: (a) A national report submitted in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/1/MAR/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.6/1/MAR/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR, in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/1/MAR/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Portugal, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands and Latvia was transmitted to Morocco through the troika. I. SUMMARY OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE REVIEW PROCESS A. Presentation by the State under review 5. At the fourth meeting of the Working Group on 8 April 2008, the Minister of Justice, H.E. Mr. Abdelwahad RADI, introduced the national report of Morocco. Morocco had adopted a participatory approach for the preparation of this report, involving all stakeholders, in accordance with the guidelines of the Human Rights Council. The consultations and dialogue had been constructive, and it is planned to institutionalize this collaboration by establishing a standing consultation committee, which would bring together relevant stakeholders. Morocco’s approach to the promotion and protection of human rights involved reinforcement of the Constitution, harmonization of legislation and the establishment of a truth, justice and reconciliation commission, the Equity and Reconciliation Instance (Instance Equite et reconciliation - IER). Furthermore, this approach involves the ratification of relevant international human rights instruments, and cooperation with treaty bodies and special procedures. 6. With regard to accession to international human rights treaties, Morocco noted its recognition of the competence of the respective committees provided for in articles 14 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) and 22 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), and the withdrawal of its reservations to article 20 of CAT and 14 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), as well as to certain provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). It also highlighted that the process of