A/HRC/18/5 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 eleventh session from 2 to 13 May 2011. The review of Palau was held at the 3rd meeting on 3 May 2011. The delegation of Palau was headed by John C. Gibbons, Minister of Justice of Palau. At its 7th meeting, held on 5 May 2011, the Working Group adopted the report on Palau. 2. On 21 June 2010, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Palau: Ecuador, Republic of Moldova and Senegal. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Palau: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/11/PLW/1); (b) A compilation prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/11/PLW/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/11/PLW/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Latvia, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and France was transmitted to Palau through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the UPR. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. Palau expressed the view that it was truly committed to fulfilling its human rights obligations. Efforts in this regard had resulted in pending new legislation, policies and the creation of Task Force Committees to oversee and address its human rights commitments and obligations. 6. Palau indicated that it had acceded only to the Convention of the Rights of the Child, and that it intended to carefully examine the possibility of signing and acceding to other human rights covenants and protocols, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. 7. Palau mentioned the following challenges it faced: climate change and environmental degradation; lack of technical capacity to undertake and implement human rights issues domestically, including reporting to treaty bodies; lack of financial and funding capacity to fulfil human rights norms and obligations; lack of technical and financial assistance to undertake human right awareness and activities; disparity in social and economic well-being; alcohol and substance abuse; high mortality rate affected by noncommunicable diseases; limited access and opportunities of vulnerable groups and persons with disabilities; employment protection for local Palauan workers; domestic violence and human trafficking. 8. Palau highlighted that it strived to build its nation and make progress in sustainability while working to fulfill its regional and international obligations, including the protection of human rights. 3