A/HRC/8/25 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 the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was held at the 7th meeting on 10 April 2008. The delegation of the United Kingdom was headed by H.E. Michael Wills, Minister of State for Justice. For the composition of the delegation, composed of 23 members, see appendix below. At its 11th meeting held on 14 April 2008, the Working Group adopted the present report on the United Kingdom. 2. On 28 February 2008, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of the United Kingdom: Egypt, the Russian Federation and Bangladesh. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of the United Kingdom: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/1/GBR/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/GBR/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR, in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/1/GBR/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by the Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, France, Italy and Sweden was transmitted to the United Kingdom 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 7th meeting, on 10 April 2008, the Minister of State for Justice of the United Kingdom introduced the national report. The United Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to work in partnership with colleagues in the international community and to make human rights a reality in people’s everyday lives throughout the world. 6. The United Kingdom recalled its pledges and commitments made in 2006 to accompany its election to the Human Rights Council and had made significant progress in fulfilling them. The United Kingdom had been one of the most active countries during the institution-building process of the Human Rights Council, and that it continues to support OHCHR and other agencies, providing over £2.5 million annually of unearmarked funding to OHCHR. The State is preparing for the establishment of its national preventive mechanism under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) and is working towards the ratification of the new Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The United Kingdom is deeply committed to the success of the Council and to the success of UPR, which it sees as a process of collaboration and cooperation, and above all, a commitment to improving human rights on the ground. The Council had challenged all States to adopt an open and honest approach; to recognize areas of difficulty; and to consult widely and nonselectively with civil society. The Government had consulted broadly with civil society in the