Malta praised over progress against racism

Malta has made a leap forward in combating racism and discrimination, according to a new report published in Europe.

Analysing the progress made by EU member states in the field last year, the usually critical European Network Against Racism (ENAR) acknowledged that Malta has significantly improved its situation although it still considers the island's detention policy with regards to illegal immigrants as being too tough.

"2007 was marked with remarkable legislative developments in the field of anti-discrimination, migration and integration. The non-employment aspects of the race equality directive were transposed through a number of legal notices enhancing the protection against racism in law," the report states.

"The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality was appointed race equality body (for the non-employment aspects) while the shift of the burden of proof was further strengthened. The Broadcasting Authority enforced requirements as to the standards and practice on the promotion of racial equality imposing a duty on broadcasters to be proactive in promoting racial equality in their programming."

According to ENAR, during 2007, the communities most vulnerable to racism and religious discrimination in Malta included "irregular migrants", Muslims, as well as organisations working with asylum seekers. However, although mentioning some minor problems, such as difficulty in employment or in the housing rental market, the report didn't report any serious incidents.

The report also mentions improvements in the office of the refugee commission and the setting up of the Organisation for the Integration and Welfare of Asylum Seekers. It highlights various positive initiatives such as an anti-racism campaign in schools coordinated by the Malta Football Association and teacher training offered by Amnesty International Malta together with the Ministry of Education.

At the same time, the European Network reiterated its criticism of the conditions in detention centres used for asylum seekers. The lack of adequate data collection was highlighted as an issue of horizontal concern.

As a follow up, ENAR is now recommending that Malta should draw up, adopt and implement a National Action Plan Against Racism providing a strategic direction to combat discrimination while developing a more inclusive, intercultural society based on a commitment to inclusion by design, not as an add-on or afterthought.

It is also recommending that detention of asylum seekers is "to be restricted to the absolute minimum". Currently asylum seekers can be detained for up to 18 month.

ENAR has seven member organisations in Malta including the Jesuit Refugee Centre, the Peace Lab and the Third World Group.