A/HRC/24/14 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 sixteenth session from 22 April to 3 May 2013. The review of the Russian Federation was held at the 12th meeting on 29 April 2013. The delegation of the Russian Federation was headed by the Minster of Justice, Alexander Konovalov. At its 18th meeting, held on 3 May 2013, the Working Group adopted the report on the Russian Federation. 2. On 14 January 2013, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of the Russian Federation: Argentina, Benin, Switzerland. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to resolution 16/21, the following documents were issued for the review of the Russian Federation: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/16/RUS/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.6/16/RUS/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/16/RUS/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by the Czech Republic, Germany, Kyrgyzstan, the Netherlands, Norway, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Slovenia and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to the Russian Federation 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 delegation stated that the recommendations of the first cycle of the UPR had become additional guarantees for increasing observance of human rights and the effectiveness of the mechanisms for their protection. 6. The delegation stated that significant measures had been taken to ensure the implementation of human rights guarantees and principles enshrined in the Constitution. The main achievements and impediments to the realization of human rights had been mentioned in the national report, prepared in cooperation with civil society. 7. As indicated in the national report, the democratization of State institutions and increasing civil society participation in decision-making had remained a priority. The delegation explained that, as of 2012, all federal executive bodies had been required by law to publish information on draft normative acts and to carry out public discussion on them, including with the participation of the public councils which included representatives of civil society. Furthermore, the Government had approved a concept regarding a new mechanism envisaged for public submission of legislative proposals by citizens through the Internet for their subsequent consideration by the Government. 3