A/HRC/12/7 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 fifth session from 4 to 15 May 2009. The review of Malta was held at the 6th meeting on 6 May 2009. The delegation of Malta was headed by Dr. Peter Grech, Deputy Attorney General. At its 10th meeting, on 8 May 2009, the Working Group adopted the present report on Malta. 2. On 8 September 2008, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Malta: Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Ukraine. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Malta: (a) A national report submitted in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/5/MLT/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.6/5/MLT/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/5/MLT/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by the Czech Republic, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Argentina and Denmark was transmitted to Malta 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 6th meeting of the Working Group, the head of Maltese delegation, Peter Grech, welcomed the opportunity to assess the country’s human rights situation, its existing procedures, practices and challenges, in a self-critical manner. He remarked that Malta’s national report was formulated following broad consultations across the Government, the Ombudsman and local civil society. Civil society in Malta has a long and proud record of active involvement in safeguarding and promoting human rights, making the exchange of views intense and constructive. 6. The delegation stated that the articulation of specific rights and provisions guaranteeing their enjoyment had been progressively incorporated in Malta’s constitutional development starting with the first bill of rights in 1802. The Independence Constitution of Malta of 1964 established a liberal parliamentary democracy, safeguards specific fundamental human rights of citizens and provides for a separation of powers, with regular elections based on universal suffrage. 7. The Maltese Parliament consists of the House of Representatives, presided over by the Speaker of the House and currently composed of 69 members. The President of Malta is elected for a five-year term by the House. With respect to local councils, elections of councilors are held every three years by means of proportional representation using the single transferable vote. All