A/HRC/18/2 the important role the universal periodic review plays in promoting human rights domestically and internationally. 257. The universal periodic review was a mechanism with the potential to improve human rights on the ground for the benefit of all individuals around the world. It gave each State involved a clear target and tools for the development of the domestic human rights agenda, and was a unique opportunity for States to have an open and candid debate on human rights among peers and with civil society. For those reasons in particular, Denmark strongly supported the mechanism. 258. The delegation emphasized the fact that the universal periodic review process had received considerable attention and had raised general awareness of human rights in Denmark. The attention was important and a key element in the continuous improvement in the human rights situation in Denmark as well as in other States. 259. The delegation took the opportunity to thank all members and observers of the Human Rights Council for their active contribution to a meaningful and credible dialogue on the human rights situation in Denmark, and the efforts to meet international obligations in this respect. The recommendations and constructive input received from other States and civil society organizations were the result of hard work and knowledge. In this regard, the delegation highlighted the special role played by civil society. From the outset, and in line with the guidelines of the Human Rights Council, it had been Denmark’s ambition to submit a national report that was reflective of society as a whole, not merely a product of various Government offices. Looking back at the entire process, the inclusion of civil society had proven to be one of its strongest features and had added significant value to the process. 260. Denmark received 133 recommendations, of which 82 had been agreed on, while 51 had not been accepted. In many cases, the reason for not agreeing to a recommendation did not pertain to substance. The recommendations focused on nine thematic issues: international obligations, the rights to equality and non-discrimination, the human rights of migrants, legal rights and detention, freedom of expression, women’s rights, children’s rights, development policy, and Greenland and the Faroe Islands. All recommendations had been subject to careful scrutiny by all relevant authorities. 261. The delegation drew the attention of the Human Rights Council to the fact that, during the previous week, general elections had been held in Denmark and that a new Government had not yet taken office. 262. The delegation acknowledged that human rights challenges existed in Denmark, as they do elsewhere, and that the universal periodic review process continued to be an important factor in addressing those challenges. 263. The delegation highlighted the role played by civil society, including public hearings in the largest cities in Denmark, in Greenland and the Faroe Islands, as this had been a vital part of the Government’s initial scrutiny of the recommendations received. 264. The delegation expressed its gratitude to all parties involved for their invaluable support during the universal periodic review process, and thanked the troika and the secretariat for their constructive and effective cooperation. 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Human Rights Council on the review outcome 265. Algeria noted the acceptance of 82 of 133 recommendations, in different areas of human rights protection. Algeria was pleased to see the willingness of the Government to make further efforts to fight racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance. It was pleased with the acceptance of its recommendations concerning appropriate measures 116 GE.12-17756