PN launches public consultation on Human Rights Commission and Equality Act

The Nationalist Party has launched an open consultation on the proposed Human Rights Commission and Equality Act, which are currently being discussed in parliament.

Those who wish to submit their proposals and help shape the PN’s position may do so by clicking this link.

Submissions will be open until 18 September.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the PN invited all those with an interest in the proposed changes to participate in the consultation.

Through this platform, social partners, civil society organisations, experts, professionals, affected communities, and all interested individuals can submit their views on the changes.

The party said the consultation aims to gather a broad range of experiences and proposals on the Commission’s independence and composition, the protection of fundamental rights, investigation and redress procedures, legal certainty, and the law’s potential impact on different sectors.

The PN said that, last July, the government attempted to rush the Bill through crucial parliamentary stages within a matter of days, shortly before parliament adjourned for the summer recess.

According to the party, this was done despite repeated appeals from the Opposition and organisations including social partners, human rights groups, trade unions, Church schools and professional bodies, all of which called for more time and proper consultation.

“Government ignored these appeals and continued to insist on putting the Bill to a final vote,” the PN said.

The Bill later failed to secure the required two-thirds majority. Opposition MPs walked out of parliament after their calls for further consultation were rejected, and the Bill did not pass.

The party stressed that it supports safeguarding human rights, promoting equality and combating all forms of discrimination. However, it said there is also a need for a strong, independent and impartial commission capable of carrying out its responsibilities without political interference.

“A law that affects fundamental rights, employees and employers, educational institutions, businesses, professionals and society as a whole cannot be drawn up and passed hastily, without genuine consultation,” it said.

The PN concluded that serious reform must be built on dialogue, expertise and a fair balance between rights and responsibilities, rather than on decisions taken by government in advance and then imposed on everyone else.