A/HRC/8/47 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 second session from 5 to 19 May 2008. The review of France was held at the 13th meeting on 14 May 2008. The delegation of France was headed by François Zimeray, Ambassador for Human Rights. For the composition of the delegation, composed of 17 members, see annex below. At its 17th meeting held on 19 May 2008, the Working Group adopted the present report on France. 2. On 28 February 2008, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of France: Zambia, Italy and Malaysia. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of France: (a) A national report submitted in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/2/FRA/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.6/2/FRA/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR, in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/2/FRA/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to France 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 13th meeting, on 14 May 2008, Mr. François Zimeray, Ambassador for Human Rights and Head of Delegation, before introducing the national report expressed his thoughts and solidarity for the thousand of victims of the natural catastrophes that have dramatically hit the people of Myanmar and China. Referring to the national report, he then stated that it had been prepared through consultations between different parts of the administration and with civil society. Responding to a written question submitted in advance, Mr. Zimeray said that all main actors from civil society, trade unions as well as opinion and religious movements were given the opportunity to share their views on the human rights situation and to submit written contributions. Further, he informed that dialogue with the Commission nationale consultative des droits de l’Homme (CNCDH) had been ongoing. The Head of Delegation also explained the commitment of France to uphold human rights at the international level. He recalled, inter alia, the recent active engagement of his country in the establishment of the UPR mechanism and the nogotiations on the draft optional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. 6. At national level, Mr. Zimeray stated that in 2007 the human rights protection system was reinforced by the appointment of a State Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Human Rights as well as the Haut-commissaire aux solidarités in charge of fighting poverty, and the establishment in 2000 of the post of Ambassador for Human Rights. The French Constitution provides a central place for human rights and several independent administrative authorities have been created in order to protect the rights of citizens, such as for example, the Commission nationale informatique et