A/HRC/16/4 decision to pardon two people sentenced on the basis of their sexual orientation. Luxembourg raised concern about the high rate of maternal mortality, in particular among rural women. Luxembourg congratulated Malawi on its considerable progress in the area of right to food. Luxembourg made recommendations. 74. On the involvement of civil society in the preparation of the national report, Malawi stated that the Ministry of Justice had invited all stakeholders to several meetings. Regarding police brutality, a new Police Act had introduced many reforms and was currently being implemented. The Government had prosecuted police officers who had overstepped their mandate. Malawi was ensuring that the rights of suspects, detainees and convicted were not abused. With regard to women’s rights, they were guaranteed under the Constitution, which protected the right of women to own property individually or jointly. 75. Malawi stated that its socio-economic status would have a direct impact on the improvements that have been recommended in many areas, such as improvements in terms of prison conditions, compulsory education and access to health care in rural areas. The Government was aware of all the challenges, and it was doing its best, given its social and economic situation. 76. Regarding gay marriage, it was a process, even in countries that had made recommendations in that regard. Malawi’s Law Commission was working on laws that needed to be updated. 77. Malawi did not have female genital mutilation, which had never been practiced there. 78. With regard to immigration rules, Malawi stated that there was under no prohibition in national law for Malawian women to get married to foreign nationals. 79. Regarding standing invitations, Malawi would progressively consider them and, where necessary, respond appropriately. 80. Slovenia commended Malawi for the recent ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict, but noted with concern that harmful practices such as corporal punishment, female genital mutilation and early and forced marriage were widely practiced. Slovenia was also concerned that children, especially girls, children with disabilities, child labourers, street children and orphans, were subjected to discrimination, abuse, neglect, violence, trafficking and exploitation. In addition, Slovenia expressed concern and raised questions about discrimination and violence against women and about the extent of human trafficking. Slovenia made recommendations. 81. Ghana commended Malawi for progress made in the achievement of most Millennium Development Goals, as well as steps taken by the Human Rights Commission to implement human rights education and training. Ghana noted concerns expressed by CEDAW on the low participation of women at all levels of decision-making, as well as discriminatory practices against women with respect to recruitment, equal pay for work of equal value, and maternity protection. Ghana made recommendations. 82. Ireland welcomed the adoption of the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act in 2006, as well as the provisions of the Deceased Estates Bill and the Marriage, Divorce and Family Relations Bills, and inquired about the date of their entry into force. It also inquired about the efforts made to ensure swift access to justice in order to keep pre-trial detention at a minimum. Ireland made recommendations. 83. Egypt expressed appreciation for the fact that, in upholding human rights, Malawi had launched its 2020 Vision and adopted a human rights approach towards the achievement of the MDGs. Egypt asked Malawi to share its best practices regarding the 11