Government finalising plans for human rights and equality commission

On International Human Rights Day the Maltese governmnet said the day served as a means of reflection on the route ahead to ensuring that all citizens are equal before the law

Parliament voted in favour of legalising same sex marriages back in July
Parliament voted in favour of legalising same sex marriages back in July

The Maltese government joined international human rights institutions and civil society in celebrating the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.

In a statement issued by the equality ministry, it said that significant progress had been achieved during the past year through “the enactment of legislation that effectively criminalises conversion practices on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression; the enactment of a Cohabitation Act allowing couples to draw up the parameters that should be applicable for their cohabitation; and the introduction of marriage equality for all”.

“We are now at an advanced stage in the adoption of a law that will modernise the way in which gender-based violence and domestic violence are dealt with in line with the Istanbul Convention,” the ministry said.

It added that the “respective strategy and an action plan” were launched by government last month, with the various services already working closely together to be ready to deliver in line with the new legal provisions.

Moreover, it said that a national migrant strategy would be launched this coming week, with various measures being rolled out to ensure that migrants are fully active participants within Maltese society.

“Government is also finalising the Equality Act and the Human Rights and Equality Commission Act which will set up a fully independent human rights institution in line with the Paris Principles and will fall under the remit of Parliament.”

“We augur that this day serves for a wide reflection in Maltese society on the progress achieved and the route ahead to ensure that all of us are equal in front of the law and that human rights are upheld at all times.”