A/HRC/42/11 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its thirty-third session from 6 to 17 May 2019. The review of Brunei Darussalam was held at the 9th meeting, on 10 May 2019. The delegation of Brunei Darussalam was headed by the Second Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dato Erywan Mohd Yusof. At its 14th meeting, held on 14 May 2019, the Working Group adopted the report on Brunei Darussalam. 2. On 15 January 2019, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Brunei Darussalam: Bangladesh, Bulgaria and Peru. 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 Brunei Darussalam: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/33/BRN/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.6/33/BRN/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/33/BRN/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Belgium, Canada, Germany, Portugal, on behalf of the Group of Friends on national implementation, reporting and follow-up, Slovenia, Spain, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America was transmitted to Brunei Darussalam through the troika. These questions are available on the website 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 delegation was honoured to present the national report for the third cycle of the universal periodic review. The report was the outcome of an extensive process of consultation and collaboration between all relevant stakeholders, including nongovernmental organizations, who have been active in promoting and safeguarding the welfare and rights of the people of Brunei Darussalam. Its objective was to ensure transparency, inclusiveness and broad ownership, consistent with the State’s “whole nation” approach. 6. The head of delegation explained the history of how Islam had come to Brunei Darussalam and how its traditions and cultures had been influenced by the Arab, Indian and Chinese traders of the sixteenth century. Around 1368, the first Sultan of Brunei had converted to Islam and implemented an administration system rooted in Islamic values that had been inherited, adopted and strengthened. Brunei Darussalam had continued the legacy of the Malay Islamic monarchy rooted in the ancient sultanate system and today enshrined in the Constitution and practiced in policies, governance and the way of life. 7. The people of Brunei Darussalam had long enjoyed peace, stability and a prosperous and harmonious life, regardless of race and religion, based on the strong community values that emphasized the family institution as part of the Brunei identity. They were raised in an environment of strong values, the foundation for a respectful, compassionate and lawabiding society that was also close-knit, tolerant and understanding. 8. The Government remained committed to the promotion and protection of human rights and to respect for the dignity of all persons, as guaranteed by the Islamic religion, the 2