A/HRC/16/4 right to food. However, Egypt regretted the fact that progress had yet to be achieved in relation to ensuring gender equality and reducing maternal mortality. Egypt drew attention to the negative impact of HIV/AIDS and extreme poverty on the human rights situation, but noted commendable efforts to improve access to education and health-care services. Egypt made recommendations. 84. The Holy See was pleased to note that progress has been made in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals and that the right to health care was one of its main priority areas in the 2020 Vision. It noted that the death penalty was no longer mandatory and indicated that it hoped that it would be banned. The Holy See indicated that churches were deeply concerned about the low primary school completion rate. The Holy See made recommendations. 85. Nepal commended Malawi’s efforts in reducing poverty and improving the life of its population through the long-term agenda of Vision 2020. It referred to Malawi’s Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper to implement MDGs and its economic growth strategy. Nepal praised the establishment of the independent Human Rights Commission, the AntiCorruption Bureau, the Ombudsman, the Law Commission and the Independent Complaints Commission. 86. Latvia touched upon the issue of standing invitations to special procedures and noted that two requests by special procedures to visit Malawi had not been accepted to date. In that regard, Latvia made a recommendation. 87. Mozambique referred to 1994 as a new page in the history of human rights with the adoption of a new Constitution that reincorporated the Bill of Rights. It referred to the progress made in the area of education, the right to health and other fields. It commended Malawi for making the death penalty no longer mandatory in the Penal Code Bill. Mozambique asked Malawi to share its experience in the field of police and prison reform. 88. Bangladesh highlighted the existence of a human rights commission with “A” status, as well as progress on most MDG indicators. It welcomed the adoption of the National Plan of Action for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children, in addition to policies and actions to ensure the enjoyment of the right to health. However, Bangladesh expressed concern that discrimination persisted against girls and vulnerable groups of children, including children with disabilities and orphans. Bangladesh was also concerned at the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and its socio-economic consequences. Bangladesh made recommendations. 89. The Sudan noted with satisfaction the many reforms undertaken by Malawi to ensure the full enjoyment of the basic and fundamental human rights of its citizens. The Sudan asked about plans to address the school drop-out rate. The Sudan made recommendations. 90. Zimbabwe praised Malawi’s tradition of inclusiveness and its total commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. Zimbabwe mentioned the lessons learned from Malawi’s experience and encouraged Malawi to share such experiences. Zimbabwe made recommendations. 91. Mauritius noted with interest the adoption of a Plan of Action for the World Programme of Human Rights Education, and welcomed the National Plan of Action for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children. It inquired whether the National Action Plan for Children had been finalized. Mauritius commended Malawi for its progress on most MDG indicators and appealed to the international community to provide technical assistance. Mauritius was aware of the challenges and capacity constraints that Malawi still faced in addressing issues such as poverty, marginalization and unemployment, and made recommendations. 12