A/HRC/16/2 Malawi had demonstrated progress in health care, prevention and education on HIV/AIDS and in food self-reliance. It encouraged Malawi to continue to implement measures to promote and protect the human rights of its population. It called for the international community to step up its cooperation and financial assistance as a positive contribution to these efforts. 384. Botswana welcomed Malawi’s acceptance of many of the recommendations made during the Working Group discussions. Botswana was aware of the challenges that some recommendations posed for national legislative processes and the administrative frameworks of any country. Botswana hoped that Malawi would benefit from the support of the international community in meeting its domestic and international obligations. 385. The United States of America expressed deep concern at Malawi’s law criminalizing homosexuality and recent steps that had made this law more severe by criminalizing lesbian relations. While the United States was troubled by Malawi’s amendment 46 to its Penal Code, which could expand existing limitations on media freedoms and political speech, it was encouraged by the Government’s public statement of 28 February 2011 clarifying the section’s limited purview. The United States recommended that Malawi should pursue steps to end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and enshrine its commitment to free expression through appropriate modifications to amendment 46 of the Penal Code. It expressed appreciation for the fact that Malawi had provided clear responses to the recommendations during the Working Group discussions. However, it was disappointed that Malawi had not met the minimum requirements of Council resolution 5/1 in identifying which recommendations enjoyed its support, despite indicating that there were several recommendations that it accepted. 386. Nigeria welcomed the steps taken to date to implement the recommendations adopted. Nigeria encouraged Malawi to continue its efforts to promote and protect human rights. Nigeria called on the international community to provide all necessary technical assistance to the Government for the better implementation of the recommendations accepted by Malawi. 387. Morocco welcomed the fact that Malawi had accepted 65 recommendations. It referred to Malawi’s Constitution, which recognized the principles of democracy and rule of law, and contained several human rights provisions. Morocco welcomed the acceptance of all five of its recommendations and referred to the importance of providing technical assistance to Malawi for the implementation of universal periodic review recommendations. 388. South Africa appreciated the commitment of the Government of Malawi to prioritize issues such as sustainable economic growth, social protection, social development, infrastructure development and improved governance. The number of women in high-level positions in government was also a reflection of Malawi’s promotion of gender equality. South Africa welcomed Malawi’s acceptance of a large number of recommendations. It encouraged Malawi to follow an inclusive process when implementing the accepted recommendations and that all concerned stakeholders are involved in the follow-up process. 389. The United Republic of Tanzania welcomed the implementation of Malawi Vision 2020 with a view to providing a quality life for all. It commended the Government’s achievements with regard to the Millennium Development Goals, its fight against hunger and the reduction of maternal deaths. It praised the provision of free education at the primary level and its positive impact on children’s enrolment. It encouraged the Government to favourably consider acceding to key pending international human rights instruments to which it was not a party. It called on the international community to continue lending its full support for the efforts made by Malawi to implement its human rights obligations. GE.11-17059 157