A/HRC/18/9 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 eleventh session from 2 to 13 May 2011. The review of Latvia was held at the 7th meeting on 5 May 2011. The delegation of Latvia was headed by Andris Teikmanis, State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At its 11th meeting held on 9 May 2011, the Working Group adopted the report on Latvia. 2. On 21 June 2010, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Latvia: Hungary, Guatemala, Kyrgyzstan. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Latvia: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/11/LVA/1); (b) A compilation prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/11/LVA/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/11/LVA/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Latvia 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 highlighted the importance of the UPR for human rights protection and promotion. He introduced the delegation which included various portfolios from the Government, and indicated that various other stakeholders, including the civil society, had been involved in preparing the national report. 6. Since the restoration of independence, Latvia started its path as a democratic and sovereign State and acceded to more than 50 international human rights instruments, including the core human rights treaties. Latvia was one of the first states to issue a standing invitation to United Nations special procedures and an active promoter of such standing invitations. 7. Latvia is a member of various European organizations promoting human rights, and regularly undergoes scrutiny of its human rights record, including through binding judgments of the European Court of Human Rights. 8. Latvia has developed modern comprehensive legislation and an institutional system for the protection of human rights. Its Constitution includes a chapter on fundamental rights, and individuals could file complaints with the Constitutional Court. Based on the previous national human rights office, the Office of the Ombudsman was created in 2007 in conformity with the Paris Principles. Within its mandate covering human rights and good governance, the Ombudsman also has the power to submit an application to the Constitutional Court and to a court of general jurisdiction. 3