A/HRC/8/49 Page 3 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 second session from 5 to 19 May 2008. The review of Romania was held at the 15th meeting on 15 May 2008. The delegation of Romania was headed by H.E. Mrs. Răduţa MATACHE, Secretary of State, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Romania. For the composition of the delegation, composed of 23 members, see annex below. At its 17th meeting held on 19 May 2008, the Working Group adopted the present report on Romania. 2. On 28 February 2008, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Romania: Angola, Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Romania: (a) A national report submitted in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/2/ROM/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.6/2/ROM/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR, in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/2/ROM/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Sweden, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and was transmitted to Romania 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. At the 15th meeting, on 15 May 2008, H.E. Mrs. Răduţa Matache, Secretary of State, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Romania, introduced the national report and noted Romania’s achievements in the field of promoting and protecting human rights. She noted also the participation of NGOs in the drafting of the report, and the increased commitment of the civil society which has developed in Romania after 1989 and contributed to ensuring respect for human rights. The successive Governments have faced many challenges, particularly in reshaping a new political and civic behaviour, in rethinking and implementing strategies, as well as in breaking stereotypes. Romania is paying special attention to striking the right balance between promoting and protecting civil and political rights and ensuring the respect for economic, social and cultural rights. 6. In response to advance questions, she indicated that in Romania, the protection and promotion of human rights are secured through a wide-ranging network of judicial, quasi-judicial and administrative institutions. The competences, responsibilities, composition and methods of operation of the Advocate of the People and of the National Council for Combating Discrimination are in full compliance with the Paris Principles. Furthermore, based on the model of Sweden, Romanian authorities are preparing a reflection process for the launch of a comprehensive National Plan of Action (NPA) for Human Rights, which will be reviewed annually. Within the framework