A/HRC/22/5 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 fourteenth session from 22 October to 5 November 2012. The review of Gabon was held at the 3rd meeting, held on 23 October 2012. The delegation of Gabon was headed by Ms. Ida Reteno Assonouet, the Minister of Justice, Human Rights and Relations with Constitutional Institutions. At its 10th meeting, held on 29 October 2012, the Working Group adopted the report on Gabon. 2. On 3 May 2012, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Gabon: Czech Republic, Italy and Uganda. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to resolution 16/21, the following documents were issued for the review of Gabon: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/14/GAB/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.6/14/GAB/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/14/GAB/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by the Czech Republic, Germany, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, the Netherlands and Mexico was transmitted to Gabon 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. The head of delegation, introducing Gabon’s report in the second phase of the universal periodic review process, said that Gabon, by engaging in that rigorous evaluation mechanism, was contributing to the effectiveness of the United Nations in protecting human rights. 6. Gabon had prepared its report in consultation with governmental and civil society organizations under a participatory and inclusive national process. The participation of the National Human Rights Commission had been significant. With the support of the United Nations Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa, preparatory meetings had been organized in April and May 2012. National civil society organizations, trade unions and religious and ideological associations had had the opportunity to express their opinions on the recommendations submitted to Gabon in 2008, and their input had been taken into account in finalizing the national report. Gabon pledged to include civil society in its action and to turn to the National Human Rights Commission not only for the preparation of national reports but also for other activities related to the promotion and protection of human rights. 7. The delegation noted that human rights were highly valued in Gabon and that respect for them was the cornerstone of democracy. In addition to the Constitution, which recognized and guaranteed the inviolability and imprescriptibility of human rights, Gabon GE.12-18722 3