A/HRC/19/2 (a) The national report submitted by Trinidad and Tobago, in accordance with the annex to Council resolution 5/1, paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/12/TTO/1); (b) The compilation prepared by OHCHR, in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/12/TTO/2 and Corr.1); (c) The summary prepared by OHCHR, in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/12/TTO/3). At its 38th meeting, on 15 March 2012, the Human Rights Council considered and adopted the outcome of the review of Trinidad and Tobago (see section C below). 464. The outcome of the review of Trinidad and Tobago comprises the report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (A/HRC/19/7), the views of Trinidad and Tobago concerning the recommendations and/or conclusions, and its voluntary commitments and 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 (see also A/HRC/19/7/Add.1). 1. Views expressed by the State under review on the recommendations and/or conclusions, its voluntary commitments and the outcome 465. Trinidad and Tobago stated that the universal periodic review process had been a beneficial one and expressed its appreciation to the troika (Peru, the Philippines and the United States of America), delegations that made recommendations, representatives of civil society, who made valuable contributions, OHCHR and the Commonwealth secretariat. 466. Trinidad and Tobago expressed its commitment to the protection of human rights of its people, a cornerstone of its plans for development. At the twelfth session of the Working Group, it had received 118 recommendations; 15 had been accepted outright, while 33 were at various stages of implementation. Some 18 recommendations did not comply with its views or policies. 467. Of the remaining 52 recommendations, Trinidad and Tobago provided a detailed written response to each issue, indicating the Government’s position. These recommendations were thematic in nature and centred on specific human rights issues that most developing States were currently addressing. 468. The first and most prominent theme identified was the signing, ratification or implementation of international human rights treaties that did not currently enjoy the support of Trinidad and Tobago. This was a serious issue that continued to engage the Government’s attention. Its position on the retention of capital punishment had been clearly stated and, as such, it would be inherently counterproductive to sign or ratify any instruments in conflict with this position. This in no way implied that the Government took such issues as torture or other cruel or degrading treatment lightly. 469. Trinidad and Tobago pointed out that, during its universal periodic review, its view on capital punishment had been expressed. While recognizing the international movement towards abolition, Trinidad and Tobago had to take into consideration the outcome of widespread public consultations and debate and moreover, have the full support of Parliament in any reform on death penalty laws. It was continuously engaging the public on this issue, with the intention of reviewing its laws on capital punishment. Its approach would be to preserve the death penalty in the most humane way possible and to ensure that all safeguards were in place, be it in a domestic or an international context. Such a process would also involve the amendment of existing national legislation. However, any definitive outcome on the issue of capital punishment would be guided by public consultations and the consensus of Parliament. GE.13-14768 203