A/HRC/8/30 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 Poland was held at the 12th meeting on 14 April 2008. The delegation of Poland was headed by H.E. Mr. Witold Waszczykowski, Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland. For the composition of the delegation, composed of 27 members, see annex to the present report. At its 16th meeting held on 16 April 2008, the Working Group adopted the present report on Poland. 2. On 28 February 2008, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of Rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Poland: Brazil, Japan and Angola. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Poland: (a) A national report submitted in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/1/POL/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/POL/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR, in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/1/POL/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Denmark, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, France and Japan was transmitted to Poland 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. At the 12th meeting, on 14 April 2008, H.E. Mr. Witold Wayzcykowski, Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland introduced the national report. He indicated that the approach to human rights changed in Poland as a result of the democratic transformation instigated by the Solidarity movement after 1989. Within the internal context, this process of fundamental change led to the construction and consolidation of a rule of law State. Within the external context, this meant that the promotion and protection of human rights was recognized as one of the priorities of the Polish foreign policy. Poland attaches particular significance to reinforcing the rule of law, democracy and good governance as indispensable elements for the protection of the rights of individuals as well as conditions for sustainable development and security. Poland has also actively participated and supported the work of the Commission of Human Rights and the Human Rights Council. Poland is a member of the Convening Group of the Community of Democracies and stands ready to strengthen its involvement in the works of international human rights institutions. In this regard, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with OHCHR, organized an international conference in Warsaw in November 2006, focused on the role of anti-corruption activities in the context of human rights protection. 6. The Under-Secretary also stated that the national report presents major achievements and contains information on problems and challenges in specific areas, as well as on specific programmes and activities. He referred to information on the legal framework of the Ombudsman,