well as number of civil society organizations seeking observer’s status with the Commission. 7. In order to enhance efficiency in the coordination of Human Rights issues, the Human Rights Unit in Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs was upgraded to a Human Rights Section in 2016. The Section coordinates the implementation of the Human Rights Action Plan, State Party reporting both to the United Nations and African Union, research in human rights trends as well as other human rights issues as they may arise. 8. The Malawi Human Rights Commission continues to enjoy an A status as a National Human Rights Institution. In addition, we have a robust civil society community that works well with Government and Malawi Human Rights Commission. The Government is committed to ensure that civil society organizations have space and operate in a favorable legal environment. Legislative Framework 9. Since 2015 Malawi has passed various laws that enhance the enjoyment of human rights in the country. These relate to the implementation of the Charter and Protocol. These include: Constitutional amendment on the age of the child – 2017 10. The Constitution under section 23(6) previously stipulated that children shall be persons under the age of sixteen years. However taking regard to international human rights instruments, and various legal and human rights challenges faced by children, the Constitution was amended to raise the age of the child from 16 to 18. Following that amendment, steps are being taken to harmonize all laws on the age of the child. This process is being led by a Task Force chaired by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare. 11. The 2017 constitutional amendment is the domestication of the specific requirement of the CRC, the ACRWC as well as the implementation of the recommendations Malawi 3