A/HRC/8/52 page 153 effective implementation of safeguards provided under the Constitution for the protection of interests of minorities. These included a statutory body in the form of a National Commission, establishment of a new Ministry of Minority Affairs, as well as the launch of the Prime Minister’s new 15-point programme for the welfare of minorities. 423. In conclusion, the Head of Delegation thanked everyone for their participation in and contribution to the universal periodic review of India, and that India had immensely benefited from this constructive engagement with the Council and considered it a positive experience. India was committed to following up on the recommendations emanating from this process in an inclusive manner. Its commitment was not limited to these recommendations. India’s vibrant democratic polity required it to continuously pursue higher norms and standards. He stated that India looked forward to returning to the Council in the next cycle to report on the progress made in its pursuit of human rights. Brazil 424. The review of Brazil was held on 11 April 2008 in conformity with all the relevant provisions contained in Council resolution 5/1, and was based on the following documents: the national report submitted by Brazil in accordance with the annex to Council resolution 5/1, paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/1/BRA/1); the compilation prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/1/BRA/2); and the summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/1/BRA/3). 425. At its 15th meeting, on 10 June 2008, the Council considered and adopted the outcome of the review on Brazil (see section C below). 426. The outcome of the review on Brazil is constituted of the report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (A/HRC/8/27), together with the views of Brazil concerning the recommendations and/or conclusions, as well as its voluntary commitments and its replies presented before the adoption of the outcome by the plenary to questions or issues that were not sufficiently addressed during the interactive dialogue in the Working Group. 1. Views expressed by the State under review on the recommendations and/or conclusions as well as on its voluntary commitments 427. Brazil expressed its gratitude to the Council and OHCHR. It stated that it was a great opportunity to be able to present the human rights situation in its country and the efforts undertaken by the Government to promote, protect and guarantee those rights in an environment of constructive and frank dialogue. 428. Brazil stressed that it was a great honour to be engaged in the whole process leading to the adoption of the first final reports of the Working Group of the Universal Periodic Review: the institution-building process, the preparation of the national report, its presentation and the outcome process. 429. Brazil stated that it was pleased to see the successful conclusion of the beginning of the first universal periodic review cycle. It was convinced that the implementation of the universal periodic review mechanism was deeply connected to the successful outcome of human rights