A/HRC/16/4 health and education. Algeria noted that challenges faced by Malawi had also manifested themselves in a backlog of reports due to human rights treaty bodies. It welcomed the spirit of openness and objectivity with which Malawi had addressed challenges. Algeria made recommendations. 44. Morocco welcomed the engagement of Malawi in the promotion and protection of human rights and the strengthening of the rule of law. Morocco noted the inclusive and open approach adopted in the preparation of the national report, in consultation with civil society. It highlighted the 2020 vision, a road map for the achievement of strategic national development goals and priorities, and noted the centrality of human rights in that regard. Morocco also commended the role played by the institution of the Ombudsman in consolidating a culture of human rights. Morocco made recommendations. 45. France requested clarification with regard to recent restrictions imposed on freedom of expression and freedom of the press. France inquired whether the human rights institutions of Malawi, including the National Commission and the Ombudsman, and civil society had been consulted prior to the entry into force of those restrictions; it also asked what means and remedies against them were available. France then referred to the criminal prosecution of persons who had engaged in same-sex relations. France requested information about measures taken to implement recommendations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. France made recommendations. 46. Azerbaijan noted with interest the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper and the Malawi Economic Growth Strategy, and commended the human rights approach adopted in relation to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Azerbaijan also commended Malawi for being party to most international human rights treaties and for the establishment of a Human Rights Commission, which had been accredited with “A” status. Azerbaijan made recommendations. 47. Mexico acknowledged efforts made by Malawi, in particular the establishment of the Human Rights Commission, which had been accredited with “A” status; the fight against corruption; and progress made with regard to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), including in particular the significant decreases in the infant and child mortality rates. Mexico made recommendations. 48. South Africa noted with appreciation Malawi’s commitment to prioritizing issues such as sustainable economic growth and improved governance, and praised its promotion of gender equality. South Africa suggested that the Human Rights Commission be allocated sufficient funding and resources. It also welcomed the adoption of the National Plan of Action for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children, and urged Malawi to finalize a comprehensive national action plan for children. South Africa made recommendations. 49. Canada commended Malawi for its sustained commitment toward promoting respect for human rights, gender equality and the rule of law, evidenced by the implementation of anti-corruption measures, public sector reforms, and of a number of programmes to address challenges in areas such as food production, primary education and HIV/AIDS. It also commended Malawi’s decision to be one of the first countries to ratify the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, and to sign the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development. Canada also congratulated Malawi on working with civil society to advance women’s rights through the 50/50 campaign in 2009. Finally, Canada was pleased that a presidential pardon was granted to the same-sex couple handed a 14-year sentence. Canada was concerned, however, at the prevalence of violence against women and schoolgirls and at the trafficking of women and children for sexual exploitation or child labour. Canada made recommendations. 50. Germany commended the initiatives undertaken in the area of poverty reduction and access to food. Germany expressed interest in learning more about plans to fight 7