A/HRC/10/84 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 Tuvalu was held at the 16th meeting, on 11 December 2008. The delegation of Tuvalu was headed by H.E. Mr. Enele Sopoaga, Permanent Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Labour. At its 17th meeting, on 15 December 2008, the Working Group adopted the present report. 2. On 8 September 2008, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Tuvalu: Azerbaijan, Qatar and Zambia. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Tuvalu: (a) A national report submitted made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/3/TUV/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/TUV/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR, in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/3/TUV/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Latvia, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Tuvalu 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. At the 16th meeting, on 11 December 2008, H.E. Mr. Enele Sopoaga, Permanent Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Labour, presented the national report and made an opening statement. He affirmed the State’s commitment to the universal periodic review and expressed appreciation to those who had provided support in the preparations. 6. The Head of Delegation referred to the small island characteristics of Tuvalu and its unique vulnerability to challenges, particularly those posed by climate change and sea-level rise. The impact of globalization, as recently demonstrated by the hikes in fuel and food prices, was overwhelming, and Tuvalu expressed gratitude to its partners for their support, particularly its Pacific neighbouring partners. The continuing loss of vital land, destruction of food crops and contamination of the ground water supply by seawater intrusion are everyday challenges to the realization of the economic, social and cultural rights of its citizens. 7. Tuvalu expressed its commitment to human rights and noted that many commitments are dependent on the availability of financial and technical resources. Its responsibilities to human rights are required by the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the national sustainable development strategy and the national plan on the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals. Tuvalu is also committed to Pacific regional arrangements, particularly to the Pacific Plan, and