Protocol are specified in an official amendment document attached to the present report. I. The preparation process An inter-ministerial committee in charge of drafting State reports relating to international human rights instruments (CTIER) was established. It includes all relevant ministries and technical departments and the National Commission for Human Rights. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights participates as an observer. It is chaired by the Office of the Prime Minister and representatives of agencies working in the gender sector are also involved. CSO involvement was ensured through the participation of and exchanges with relevant structures. II. Basic information A-The legal framework Mauritania has adopted several instruments on gender equality and equity and on the empowerment of women:  Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW 1979),  Dakar Platform for Action (1994),  Beijing Programme of Action (1995),  Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the rights of women in Africa (2003),  Solemn Declaration of African Union Heads of State on Gender Equality in Africa (2004),  African Union Gender Policy (2008),  Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (2000), and  Related resolutions 1820 (2008), 1888 and 1889 (2009) of the United Nations Security Council. The Constitution guarantees women the right to participate in political and public life. It also recognizes their civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights as proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Paragraph 2 of Article 1 of the Constitution stipulates: “The Republic ensures all its citizens equality before the law, without distinction as to origin, race, sex or social condition”. Article 12 stipulates: “all citizens may accede to public office and employment with no conditions other than those prescribed by law”. Article 15 of the Constitution guarantees 48