A/HRC/14/3 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its seventh session from 8 to 19 February 2010. The review of Nicaragua was held at the 2nd meeting, on 8 February 2010. The delegation of Nicaragua was headed by Ana Isabel Morales Mazun, Minister for the Interior. At its 6th meeting, held on 10 February 2010, the Working Group adopted the report on Nicaragua. 2. On 7 September 2009, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Nicaragua: Brazil, the Philippines and Zambia. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Nicaragua: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/7/NIC/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.6/7/NIC/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/7/NIC/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Argentina, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Nicaragua through the troika. The 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. The delegation of Nicaragua stated that the national report had been drawn up by an inter-institutional commission under the coordination of the President’s Office with wide consultations and participation of all sectors of society. The report allowed Nicaragua to identify both strengths and shortcomings to be overcome in order to guarantee human rights to all Nicaraguans. 6. The universal periodic review process provided Nicaragua with a unique opportunity to share its national experiences and to highlight what it had done to promote human rights and exchange good practices. Nicaragua expressed the conviction that the recommendations resulting from the review would be based on the successful experiences of other States and serve to support specific proposals that Nicaragua could adapt to its own situation. 7. Nicaragua became a member of the Human Rights Council in the belief that consensus, dialogue and cooperation were fundamental tools to strengthen its system for the promotion and protection of human rights. In Nicaragua, the promotion of human rights means making each individual aware that he or she has human rights and can enjoy them. A person who does not enjoy access to health, education, food or appropriate housing is deprived of a decent and free life. The protection of human rights is an obligation for all States. Protecting means guaranteeing that everyone has the same living standards, are all 3