A/HRC/30/5 Rights Commission. The Niger also noted that Malawi was party to most of the international human rights instruments. 57. Nigeria appreciated efforts on the issue of disability and the plan to create wealth through sustainable economic growth. It urged Malawi to continue strengthening its human rights institutions and called on the Government to consider extending a standing invitation to special procedures mandate holders. 58. Norway commended Malawi on the adoption of legislation strengthening the legal framework for human rights protection. It noted open discussions on minority rights, action towards decriminalizing same-sex relations, and improvements in freedom of expression and the media. 59. The Philippines welcomed progress in harmonizing domestic legislation with international human rights conventions, noting the enactment of the Gender Equality Act and the Child Protection and Justice Act. It lauded awareness-raising programmes among government agencies and key sectors of society. 60. Portugal welcomed ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict, the adoption of the Gender Equality Act and recognition of the disparities between men and women in the nationality law. 61. Rwanda noted the positive action taken since the last review, particularly the adoption of the Disability Act and steps to ensure gender equality through the adoption of the Gender Equality Act, which will change the landscape and empower women. 62. Senegal noted the progress made in implementing the recommendations of the first cycle and in the realization of economic, social and cultural rights. It welcomed efforts in the protection of vulnerable groups, noting the adoption of the Disability Act. 63. Sierra Leone applauded the moratorium on the death penalty and encouraged Malawi to abolish it. It stated that Malawi should consider providing free and equal access to primary education and promote human rights education. It urged Malawi to criminalize all forms of trafficking. 64. Singapore noted the adoption of the Disability Act, aimed at providing persons with disabilities with equal opportunities in a number of areas such as health care, education and employment. It acknowledged legislative and policy measures to counter gender-based discrimination. 65. Slovakia noted the adoption of the Trafficking in Persons Law and encouraged the Government of Malawi to fully implement it. It commended steps taken to implement the universal periodic review recommendations on children’s rights but indicated that further progress was needed in a number of areas. 66. Slovenia welcomed efforts to eliminate harmful practices, including child marriage, progress in the juvenile justice system and the raising of the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 12 years. It considered that its previous recommendations 102. 37 (on trafficking) and 105.10 (on women) remained valid. 67. South Africa recognized progress in achieving some of the millennium development goals under Vision 2020 and the growth and development strategy and encouraged further implementation of those initiatives. It urged Malawi to continue to make efforts towards the promotion of human rights, including the right to development. 68. Spain praised the holding of elections in 2014. It welcomed the fact that no executions had been carried out since 1994 but was concerned that death sentences were still being handed down by the courts. 9