A/HRC/17/18 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 tenth session from 24 January to 4 February 2011. The review of Paraguay was held at the 16th meeting on 2 February 2011. The delegation of Paraguay was headed by Humberto Blasco, Minister of Justice and Labour. At its 17th meeting held on 4 February 2011, the Working Group adopted the report on Paraguay. 2. On 21 June 2010, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Paraguay: Chile, Spain and Thailand. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Paraguay: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/10/PRY/1 and Corr.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.6/10/PRY/2 and Corr.1); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/10/PRY/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Paraguay through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of UPR. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. While welcoming the opportunity to participate in the interactive dialogue to exchange views on actions taken to improve the human rights situation of Paraguayan citizens, the delegation of Paraguay recalled that 2011 was the bicentennial of its national independence and that, for the first time in its history, an alternative Government had gained power in August 2008 by peaceful and democratic means. 6. The Paraguayan Government had been firmly engaged with the universal periodic review mechanism in the understanding that the experience would allow it to extract best practices, observations and recommendations to be implemented in order to advance the human rights agenda in Paraguay. The preparation of the review had permitted an assessment of the situation and identification of achievements and challenges; in particular the need to adjust the legal framework to the current human rights standards. The Government was working with the other branches of the State in that regard, trying to overcome legal, institutional and cultural obstacles and build a solid institutional framework in the area of human rights. 7. Regarding the national report, the Administration had created a task force for its preparation. After drafting the report, the task force had embarked in consultations with civil society organizations. The delegation acknowledged with appreciation the cooperation of the Governments of Argentina and Brazil and OHCHR in the preparation of the review. 3