A/HRC/33/4 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its twenty-fifth session from 2 to 13 May 2016. The review of Suriname was held at the 1st meeting on 2 May 2016. The delegation of Suriname was headed by the Minister of Justice and Police, Jennifer van Dijk-Silos. At its 8th meeting held on 6 May 2016, the Working Group adopted the report on Suriname. 2. On 12 January 2016, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Suriname: the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Paraguay and the Philippines. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents were issued for the review of Suriname: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/25/SUR/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.6/25/SUR/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/25/SUR/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Belgium, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Mexico, Slovenia, Spain, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Suriname 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. The delegation stated that the reporting obligations under both the treaty body system and the universal periodic review offered the opportunity to assess the achievements in the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as to address remaining challenges and constraints. Suriname would continue to cooperate with the treaty bodies, the universal periodic review mechanism and other international and regional bodies in its endeavour to ensure that the rights and freedoms of all within the territory of Suriname were observed. 6. The national report for the second cycle of review had been prepared in consultation with various stakeholders, including civil society and non-governmental organizations. 7. Following the review of Suriname in 2011, Suriname had carefully reviewed the 91 recommendations it had received and, in particular, the 65 supported recommendations. 8. For the past five years, closing inequality gaps had become a high priority for the President of Suriname. Against that backdrop, Suriname had placed emphasis on improving education, health and socioeconomic conditions. 9. As from October 2012, primary education had become free of charge for all children. In addition, a universal medical insurance programme had been established, including the provision of health insurance to senior citizens and children below 16 years, GE.16-11346 3