It is unacceptable that Malta’s detention regime, repeatedly declared to be in contravention of the European Convention on Human Rights, is not defined as a human rights issue and currently falls solely within the oversight of the Home Affairs Minister, Aditus said.
It said in a statement the Civil Liberties Minister should not shy away from capturing unequivocally within her remit the human rights of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants.
In a statement issued on the occasion of the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Right, Aditus said the Home Affairs Ministry had so far refused to engage in any way with the large group of civil society organisations that repeatedly offered to share their years of professional expertise.
“We strongly urge the Minister to reconsider his position of non-dialogue and to actively engage with civil society towards an improvement in Malta’s treatment of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants.
Aditus expressed concern that in spite of several public reassurances of its belief in the full equality of all persons, the Nationalist Party recently called for a social impact assessment of adoption by same-sex couples.
“The two positions are legally and logically untenable, highlighting an adamant refusal to commit to a comprehensive respect for the rights of Malta’s LGBTI community. We urge the Nationalist Party to immediately withdraw this proposal and, further, to wholly endorse the Civil Unions Bill.”
Aditus said it noted with concern a number of misdirected migration-related statements from Maltese candidates for the European Parliamentary elections.
“Whilst we appreciate the interest candidates might have in exploiting the political opportunities this issue presents, we strongly advise against discourse that stigmatises migrants by labelling them burdens, uninvited guests and the like. Migration and asylum discussions should reflect the complexities and human realities involved.”
The organisation said it was extremely worried by “aggressive and threatening campaigns launched against us and our colleagues in other organisations”.
In appealing for a responsible exercise of the right to freedom of expression, it reiterated the central role played by non-govermental organisations in democratic societies as human rights monitors and providers of valuable services to socially excluded communities.
“We further urge the Maltese government to condemn publicly all forms of hate speech and violent and abusive language, and to ensure that appropriate legal action is taken against identified perpetrators.”