A/HRC/24/9 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 sixteenth session from 22 April to 3 May 2013. The review of the Federal Republic of Germany was held at the 7th meeting, on 25 April 2013. The delegation of Germany was headed by Mr Markus Löning. At its 13th meeting, held on 30 April 2013, the Working Group adopted the report on Germany. 2. On 14 January 2013, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Germany: The Republic of the Congo, Kuwait and United States of America. 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 Germany: (a) A national report submitted in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) of the annex to resolution 5/1 (A/HRC/WG.6/16/DEU/1); (b) Compilation prepared by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) of the annex to resolution 5/1 (A/HRC/WG.6/16/DEU/2); (c) Summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) of the annex to resolution 5/1 (A/HRC/WG.6/16/DEU/3 and Corr.1). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by the Czech Republic, Mexico, Montenegro, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Germany 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 Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Aid of the Federal Foreign Office (Commissioner) stated that the UPR was one of the key human rights mechanisms at the global level. Germany looked forward to the recommendations and views presented during the review, as well as the opportunity to respond to the questions asked. 6. As a member of the Human Rights Council, Germany was committed to sparing no efforts to promoting and protecting human rights, in accordance with pledges made during its candidature. Human rights mattered in Germany – for civil society as well as the Government and public service at all levels. It was noted that Germany had a strong institutional framework to protect and promote Human Rights. 7. The Government had consulted the German Institute for Human Rights and held a public hearing with major human rights non-governmental organizations (NGOs) when preparing its national report. In response to an advance question from Norway, the Commissioner stated that the public hearing had gone very well and had completed the constant exchange between Government and civil society. The Commissioner underscored the civil society organizations’ deep understanding of human rights issues, from which the Government was fortunate to benefit. 3