A/HRC/22/11 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 fourteenth session from 22 October to 5 November 2012. The review of Switzerland was held at the 9th meeting, on 29 October 2012. The delegation of Switzerland was headed by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter. At its 13th meeting, held on 31 October 2012, the Working Group adopted the report on Switzerland. 2. On 3 May 2012, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Switzerland: Belgium, Costa Rica and Nigeria. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents were issued for the review of Switzerland: (a) A national report submitted and a written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/14/CHE/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.6/14/CHE/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/14/CHE/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Denmark, Germany, Finland, Maldives, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Switzerland 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 Swiss delegation noted that human rights were part of the core values of the country’s political and legal system. They were enshrined in its Constitution as well as its internal and foreign policy. Owing to these rights, Swiss nationals as well as all those who had found a safe haven in Switzerland were living together in diversity and freedom, with mutual respect and equal opportunities. It was also for that reason that Switzerland was proud to host here in Geneva the Human Rights Council and OHCHR. 6. The delegation noted that the Federal Council considered the level of human rights protection in Switzerland to be good. However, no country in the world could afford to be complacent in this regard. Respect for human rights remained a permanent task. In that regard, Switzerland considered UPR as an opportunity for dialogue. The preparation for the review had been characterized by close cooperation with representatives of the cantons as well as non-governmental organizations, which had welcomed the open and productive atmosphere in which consultations had been held. 7. The Swiss State was based on four main principles, namely democracy, rule of law, federalism and solidarity. These principles guaranteed the unity as well as the diversity by which the Confederation was characterized, the continuation of the tradition of sharing and balancing of powers, and the proximity between these powers and the citizens. 3