A/HRC/25/3 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its seventeenth session from 21 October to 1 November 2013. The review of Saudi Arabia was held at the 1st meeting on 21 October 2013. The delegation of Saudi Arabia was headed by His Excellency Dr. Bandar bin Mohammed Aleiban, Chairman of the Human Rights Commission. At its 1st meeting held on 1 November 2013, the Working Group adopted the report on Saudi Arabia 2. On 14 January 2013, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Saudi Arabia: Japan, Romania 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 Saudi Arabia: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/17/SAU/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.6/17/SAU/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/17/SAU/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America, was transmitted to Saudi Arabia through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the universal periodic review (UPR). I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. The head of the delegation of Saudi Arabia reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to respect and promote human rights and support the international mechanisms, particularly the UPR. 6. Saudi Arabia reiterated that its endeavours within the Human Rights Council constitute a continuation of its support for the human right to sustainable development in its capacity as a member of the G20 safeguarding the interests of developing countries and advocating measures to mitigate the adverse effects of the global economic and financial crises by enhancing human development programmes, especially in connection with the debt burdens of developing countries. 7. Saudi Arabia noted that it has been honoured to serve the Two Holy Mosques and provide appropriate facilities for pilgrims — to whose welfare it attaches the utmost importance — to practise their religious rites in safety, security and comfort. 8. Saudi Arabia stated that it had prepared its second UPR report in collaboration with government authorities as well as academics, civil society institutions and male and female members of the human rights community. 3