A/HRC/8/52 page 170 502. The universal periodic review was designed to measure the extent of States’ commitment to human rights in a way that was universal and treated all States equally. The exercise was intended, and therein lay its strength, to be a cooperative effort based on dialogue in which the country under review was fully involved and which took into account the country’s capacity-building needs. The universal periodic review also made it possible to analyse the situation in a country objectively while preventing any influence from political factors when information was gathered and reviewed. It ought to result in specific action. 503. The universal periodic review mechanism had the advantage of constituting an assessment that could be applied to all States without distinction and had an effective impact on all human rights in a day-to-day context. The process should be left to take its own course and should not be overburdened, as some of those who had supported the review and in fact had been its earliest proponents of the review were trying to do. 504. It went without saying that the exercise benefited everyone. Above all, it made it possible to highlight things that were not working and identify ways of fixing them. Algeria had endorsed the conclusions of the Working Group and had already begun to implement them with the support and commitment of its citizens. Having been one of the architects of the founding text, Algeria was undertaking that task with a spirit of openness, humility and responsibility, and with complete confidence in the positive mission of the Council. 2. Views expressed by member and observer States of the Council on the review outcome 505. China noted that Algeria has been committed to national unity and social development, has established a developed judicial system and human rights institutions, signed and ratified many international and regional instruments and is taking active measures to carry out its legal obligations, which has demonstrated its determination to make positive efforts to realize and protect human rights. He welcomed new measures and relevant commitments, as outlined by the delegation of Algeria, in order to accomplish new achievements in national reconciliation and unity and in promoting and protecting human rights in all areas. 506. Tunisia took note of progress made in the field of human rights and congratulated Algeria for the efforts deployed to strengthen human rights protection in the country despite the difficult circumstances it faces, including terrorism. Tunisia noted the choice Algeria has made to achieve national reconciliation and support structural reforms, which are considerable and have covered many areas, including education, health, women and family affairs. Algeria has always ensured the application of international human rights treaties and has reaffirmed its human rights commitments. Tunisia encouraged Algeria in its endeavours and supported new initiatives taken within the universal periodic review context. 507. The United Arab Emirates welcomed the importance Algeria gives to human rights, the Council and the role of human rights in the national policies of the country. It noted the reforms undertaken, in particular regarding the rights of children and women, measures to promote economic, social and cultural rights to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 and welcomed the Government’s willingness to pursue the path of national reconciliation, to ensure