A/HRC/25/17 the justice sector, particularly minimizing the length of court hearings and devising a more expeditious criminal justice system. The Commission was expected to submit its final report in November 2013, putting forward proposals on possible reforms for the Government’s consideration. Malta envisaged that the implementation of the justice reform would entail the amendment of existing legislation, which would be embarked upon in 2014. 95. The delegation stated that efforts had been made to ensure that Maltese public and private services were accessible to European Union and third-country nationals on the same terms as for Maltese nationals, avoiding discriminatory practice. In that respect, Malta constantly monitored its legislation to avoid any discrimination between its nationals and European Union or third-country nationals. Any person who felt aggrieved by any legal enactment could also access the domestic courts to declare that a particular legislation was discriminatory. The courts, vested with constitutional jurisdiction, had the power to decide whether the law was in accordance with the Constitution. 96. From a health-care perspective, emergency medical care had always been provided to all persons visiting Malta irrespective of their country of origin. Since the accession of Malta to the European Union, accessibility to health services by European Union citizens was in line with European Union legislation. The enactment of the Health Act in October 2013 had provided a specific provision to ensure that there were no discriminatory practices. 97. The delegation reported that Malta had been working with the Execution Department of the European Court of Human Rights in order to submit its action report relative to the cases where a violation was found. With specific reference to the cases involving the finding of a violation to the right to property and to peaceful enjoyment of possessions, practical and general measures were implemented, which drastically reduced the number of premises subject to a requisition order. 98. In response to the question on same-sex couples, the delegation reported that the legislative initiatives had been launched to provide for the possibility of a civil union between same-sex couples. 99. Noting a comment on domestic violence, the delegation stated that a specific law against domestic violence had been in place since 2006 and that various agencies had provided assistance to the victims of domestic violence. 100. As to gender equality, NCPE had been working on various initiatives with the aim of increasing the number of women in decision-making positions; and supporting and advising policymakers on gender balance in decision-making through, inter alia, conducting research studies and putting forward specific recommendations. 101. In conclusion, the delegation expressed its appreciation for the input of the countries that had participated in the interactive dialogue. II. Conclusions and/or recommendations** 102. The following recommendations will be examined by Malta which will provide responses in due time, but no later than the twenty-fifth session of the Human Rights Council in March 2014: ** Conclusions and recommendations have not been edited. 14