A/HRC/10/76 Page 3 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council (Council) resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its third session from 1 to 15 December 2008. The review of Israel was held at the 8th meeting, on 4 December 2008. The delegation of Israel was headed by H.E. Aharon Leshno-Yaar, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations Office at Geneva. At its 12th meeting, on 9 December 2008, the Working Group adopted the present report on Israel. 2. On 8 September 2008, the Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Israel: Republic of Korea, Azerbaijan and Nigeria. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Israel: (a) A national report submitted / written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/3/ ISR/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.6/3/ ISR/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR, in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/3/ISR/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Cuba, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Denmark, Latvia and the Netherlands was transmitted to Israel through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the universal periodic review. I. SUMMARY OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE REVIEW PROCESS A. Presentation by the State under review 5. At the 8th meeting, on 4 December 2008, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations Office at Geneva, H.E. Aharon Leshno-Yaar, introduced the national report, indicating that Israel appeared in an attitude of humility and respect. Although Israel has reservations about aspects of the Council's work, it has approached preparation of the national report and its appearance as an opportunity for genuine introspection and frank discussions. 6. The representative stated that Israel was founded as a refuge for Jewish exiles from all over the world, and the founders were committed to creating a society which would enshrine protection against human rights abuses. Despite decades of conflict and terrorism, Israel is proud to have established a democratic society based on the rule of law. 7. Israel is party to the core human rights treaties and has hosted eight special rapporteurs in the last three years. Israel has several domestic mechanisms that constantly review its human rights record, the most prominent being the Supreme Court. Israel indicated it will make a concerted effort to incorporate its vibrant civil society groups when considering how to implement recommendations emanating from the universal periodic review.