A/HRC/14/9 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 seventh session from 8 to 19 February 2010. The review of San Marino was held at the 8th meeting, on 11 February 2010. The delegation of San Marino was headed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Antonella Mularoni. At its 12th meeting, held on 15 February 2010, the Working Group adopted the report on San Marino. 2. On 7 September 2009, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of San Marino: Bolivia, the Netherlands and Qatar. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of San Marino: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/7/SMR/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.6/7/SMR/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/7/SMR/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Argentina, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to San Marino through the troika. Those questions are available on the extranet of the universal periodic review. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. The head of the delegation, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of San Marino, Antonella Mularoni, thanked the delegations taking part in the debate and those that had forwarded advance written questions. She recalled that the people of San Marino like to describe their country as the oldest republic in the world and that the modern State of San Marino observes the principles of the separation of powers, democracy and the rule of law. 6. As specified in the Declaration on the Citizens’ Rights, set out in the Constitutional Charter, the two Captains Regent jointly represent the State and are guarantors of constitutional order; the Great and General Council, the Parliament, is vested with the legislative power; and the Congress of State, the Government, exercises the executive power. The judicial power, regulated by constitutional law, is guaranteed full independence and freedom of judgement. 7. San Marino regards the present review as an opportunity to take a step forward in the ongoing process of aligning its legal system and practices with international standards, while preserving the values and principles on which San Marino was built. 8. In recent decades, San Marino has experienced considerable changes, both internally and with regard to its external relations. San Marino must address new challenges and is now adopting legislative and non-legislative instruments to ensure that it can adjust to these changes, including with respect to its financial system. Despite rapid legislative changes 3