NGOs band together in anti-poverty drive

Forty-three Maltese NGOs, member organisations of the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) involved in the fight against poverty and social exclusion, have set up six committees to influence the government's social and employment policies and the next National Action Plan for Inclusion and Employment due next year.

The committees will focus on illiteracy, disability, children at risk, mental health, domestic violence, and asylum seekers and human trafficking.

EAPN Malta said its main objectives for 2005-2006 include the mobilisation of those who are themselves experiencing poverty and/or exclusion, the mobilisation of NGOs, the creation of public awareness about poverty and social exclusion and the holding of regular meetings with the Ministry for Social Solidarity.

More information on EAPN Malta can be found on the website www.eapnmalta.org