Malta is among 16 states who are calling on the European Union to adopt a comprehensive approach to combat discrimination against gays, bisexual and transgender people, also known as LGBTs.

Speaking during the adjournment, Minister for Civil Liberties Helena Dalli said she would be in The Hague on Thursday to sign the joint declaration.

The signing would come on the eve of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, which is commemorated on May 17.

For the first time, the day would be officially commemorated in Malta. Dr Dalli said the would-be signatories of the declaration – Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherands, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and the UK – have concerns about the living situation of many LGBTs around Europe and are committed to taking action to improve their lives. LGBT people still face violence, lack of freedom of assembly and expression and problems with freedom of movement for both couples and their children.

At the same time, she said, the signatories welcome “the positive measures that have been taken in many European countries and at the European level”.