A/HRC/14/17 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 seventh session from 8 February to 19 February 2010. The review of Egypt was held at the 15th meeting on 17 February 2010. The delegation of Egypt was headed by Mufid Shibah, Minister of State for legal and Parliamentary Councils. At its 17th meeting held on 19 February 2010, the Working Group adopted the report on Egypt. 2. On 7 September 2009, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Egypt: China, Italy, Madagascar. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Egypt: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/7/EGY/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.6/7/EGY/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/7/EGY/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Argentina, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Egypt 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 head of delegation, Mufid Shihab, Minister of State for Legal and Parliamentary Councils, reaffirmed the high appreciation of Egypt for the universal periodic review and its confidence in its value. The Egyptian national report was prepared through an integrated institutional process and a widespread consultation with the civil society, which is due to continue after the review. 6. The Constitution contained the fundamental rights of citizens which are inderogable and set the principle that sovereignty lies solely with the people. The multiparty system was introduced in 1981 and the president is elected through direct elections among multiple candidates. 7. International human rights conventions, most of them having been ratified by Egypt, constituted an essential element of the legislative framework. Periodic reviews were being undertaken to review the very few reservations made upon ratification. 8. The judiciary was considered the most effective mechanism to protect human rights, such as the State Council and the supreme constitutional court. 9. Egypt attached special importance to human rights monitoring mechanism, as demonstrated by the recent submission of various national reports to treaty bodies and the visit to Egypt of several Special Rapporteurs. 3