A/HRC/16/4 malnutrition. It also asked if there were any plans to change the legal framework with the aim of ending discrimination against citizens with same-sex orientation. Germany made a recommendation. 51. Malaysia commended Malawi for its strong commitment to further increasing socioeconomic development, as demonstrated by its national development agenda Vision 2020. Malaysia noted that the progress achieved in poverty eradication, infrastructure development, economic growth and human resources development would contribute significantly to the protection of human rights. Despite resource constraints, Malawi had made progress in most MDG indicators, including in reducing the infant and child mortality rates. Malysia made recommendations. 52. Hungary noted with satisfaction that Malawi had prioritized several aspects of human rights in the context of democracy and good governance, but was concerned about discriminatory laws and stereotypes that continued to hamper women in various areas. Hungary was also alarmed at the non-mandatory education policies in Malawi, as well as the high rate of illiteracy and the growing incidence of child labour and street children, in addition to deficiencies in the juvenile justice system. Issues related to freedom of expression and the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons, as well as refugees and asylum seekers, were also still awaiting legal solutions. Hungary made recommendations. 53. Cuba acknowledged progress made by Malawi, including in the area of health care and HIV/AIDS prevention and education. It also made reference to the national plan for the education sector (2008-2017) and the implementation plan, which should help to increase the quality of education. Cuba noted the achievements made with regard to self-reliance in the area of food. Cuba made recommendations. 54. China noted with appreciation Malawi’s comprehensive legal framework and its Strategy Paper for Poverty Reduction in accordance with the MDGs. China praised its compulsory primary education, its enhancement of women‘s status and its promotion of the right to food. China appealed to the international community to fully understand the difficulties of Malawi and to provide financial and technical assistance in order to improve its capacity. China encouraged Malawi to focus on its poverty reduction programme and to promote its economic development. 55. Slovakia commended progress achieved in pursuing MDGs, in particular with regard to child mortality and food security. However, Slovakia was concerned about increasing restrictions on the freedom of expression. Media criticizing the authorities had reportedly been subjected to harassment. Slovakia also remained concerned about conditions in prison and detention centres, in particular overcrowding. Slovakia made recommendations. 56. Brazil welcomed the efforts of Malawi to make progress regarding most MDGs and acknowledged the country’s efforts to eliminate gender-based discrimination. It noted that one of the specific challenges identified was the non-realization of the right to food. Brazil noted with concern reports indicating that cases of sexual abuse and exploitation of women persisted. Brazil indicated that another area that might deserve further attention was refugee policy. Brazil made a number of recommendations. 57. Sweden expressed concerns at the existing discrimination based on sexual orientation. Sweden recalled Malawi’s ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as well as the basic principle of non-discrimination, which also underpinned the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Sweden referred to credible reports of incidents involving torture and other forms of ill-treatment carried out by police officers, as well as the prevalence of impunity. It also referred to unsatisfactory living conditions in prison and 8