Tuesday, 2nd December 2008
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.
RSS
Comments
You cannot classify those who speak against the invasion of their own country by aliens as racists.
It is only if they commit a crime that is based on race that you can called them racist
But speaking against illegal migration is not being racist, but being NATIONALIST.
As regards ENAR, they know what to do with their report.
So if the EU and its busybodies want to eradicate racism they should do something firm and positive to stop and reverse illegal immigration.
As it is, guilt is being placed on our doorstep where it definitely does not belong. But at least the EU and the way it "operates" is now clear to everyone.
"Look at the uproar over the new parliament in Republic Square. Can you imagine the uproar if money was actually spent building or refurbishing a proper immigrant centre?"
Uproar? According to TheTimes online poll, 52 % are in favour, 43 % against the proposed new building.
But the government has never had the guts to ask the people of Malta: "who is in favour and who is against illegal immigrants?"
Does anyone care to guess? Is the government following the democratic will of the people of Malta?
"When the illegals are unwanted by the all Northern States."
Do you have any idea the percentage of foreign-born nationals in the northern countries? It far exceeds Malta's. Malta is relatively homogenous compared to most of Europe.
"But the countries of the EU want to keep the illegals trapped in Malta, in a sad and inhumane way"
I rather think that the EU says that illegal immigrants are to be confined to the country through which they've entered the EU. The "sad and inhumane" way they are kept in Malta is due to Malta itself. Look at the uproar over the new parliament in Republic Square. Can you imagine the uproar if money was actually spent building or refurbishing a proper immigrant centre?
The detention policy of illegal immigrants has nothing to do with racism. All illegal boat people receive the same treatment whether they are black or white.
The Maltese government is not "being too tough" with illegal immigrants. The Maltese government is failing to keep illegal immigrants in detention and to return them to their home country as is required by immigration laws.
The report says: “in employment, manifestations included difficulty in finding regular and stable employment and poorer working terms and conditions”. The report does not say how an illegal immigrant can obtain legal employment. It does not acknowledge that the only reason employers hire illegal immigrants is precisely because they can give them poorer wages and conditions. Above all, it ignores the threat by employers that as economic recession sets in and unemployment rises, they will sack Maltese workers and hire instead immigrants under poorer (and illegal) conditions.
“The lack of adequate data collection was highlighted as an issue of horizontal concern.” More statistics and more information are a way for an NGO to obtain funds – more statistics, more reports, more funds, more statistics …
So should Racist People be locked and kept under lock and key until they repent.
As far as detention is concerned it should not be reduced, but extended to the whole period that the illegal immigrants are in Malta.
That is the only way to make sure that the message gets across that they will not be allowed to roam in Malta and will be kept under lock and key until they are repatriated.