A/HRC/19/13 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its twelfth session from 3 to 14 October 2011. The review of Iceland was held at the 11th meeting on 10 October 2011. The delegation of Iceland was headed by Ogmundur Jonasson, Minister of the Interior. At its 15th meeting, held on 12 October 2011, the Working Group adopted the report on Iceland. 2. On 20 June 2011, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Iceland: Angola, Austria and Jordan. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Iceland: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/12/ISL/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.6/12/ISL/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/12/ISL/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Iceland through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the UPR. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. The delegation stated that it was an honour to attend the universal periodic review on behalf of the Government of Iceland and indicated that it was grateful for the opportunity to provide information on the human rights situation in Iceland. The review would make, and had already made, a positive impact on the dialogue on human rights in Iceland. 6. As laid down in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, human rights are and should be universal and inalienable. The Member States of the United Nations have a duty to support each other in this regard, to have the courage to speak out when breaches of human rights occur and, of no less importance, to commend States that have taken steps to improve the lives of their citizens. 7. In general, it was safe to say that the human rights situation in Iceland was reasonably good. However, there was room for improvement and Iceland would not shy away from any constructive criticism. Indeed, it looked forward to the interactive dialogue and to receiving advice and recommendations. 8. Iceland placed great emphasis on human rights and the Government was currently working on a new and extensive human rights policy that will be in compliance with fundamental international human rights conventions and agreements. 9. The delegation stated that the Constitution of Iceland prescribed that human rights applied to all members of society and that there was general consent regarding this in the 3