In July 2016, the Times of Malta published a report prepared by the US State Department. The report stated that Malta did not meet the minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking. It was a specific report about the conditions of work, abuse and exploitation of women, men and children doing domestic and construction  work and working in massage parlours and nightclubs. 

It added that Malta was a destination for women and children who were subjected to sex trafficking and for women and men subjected to labour trafficking and exploitation.

During the same month, following the publication of this report, an editorial in your paper entitled ‘Spotlight on human trafficking’ was dedicated to the same subject. That editorial expressed surprise that there seemed to be a lack of action from the authorities. The editor mentioned specific sets of nationalities and gave examples of various cases that showed why Malta was suspected to be the hub when it comes to human trafficking.

Your editorial was a spotlight, which shed light on the abusive and condemnable situation prevailing at that time. It was a spotlight on dishonour. 

Rightly you asked for an investigation. This could be done at least where specific stories have been reported.

Personally, I too had expressed my reaction on this report and wrote in your paper at the end of July of the same year under the title ‘Spotlight on dishonour’. 

Apart from expressing my opinion I showed appreciation for creating awareness by your editorial which merits the esteem of Maltese people who cherish good values. 

I now repeat what I said in my letter that the contents of that report were a shame and very embarrassing for Malta.

Now that three years have passed since the report came out, it is our right to once more ask questions. Has the situation changed? Is the situation still the same or has it even become worse? What facts have been put in the public domain about the matter so that proper discernment can be made over the matter?

In the past three years Malta has seen great transformations. Anyone using a bus to commute to and from work will tell you how buses are always full of foreigners who are residents and working here. Their language and looks indicate that they have come from all the corners of the world. 

During the same time massage parlours have mushroomed all over our islands while Gentlemen’s Clubs have certainly not closed down. The foreigners who work in these places are people who bring with them their different cultures and most have little knowledge of what their rights to decent employment are. This cannot fail to leave an impact on our society.

It is obvious that those who have an infinite thirst for money just do not care about the source where this originates from and are ready to keep exploiting any favourable circumstances including those that call for human trafficking and abuse. 

Some of the employers are probably Maltese, but not just. Hungry for power, the more powerful they become, the greater the danger of abuse and exploitation.

I have the perception that our nation has become more exposed than before to the abuse of human trafficking and exploitation. It would be interesting to know to what extent the report of three years ago still counts today. 

As citizens we are entitled to know if the facts in the report and your stories have been checked and be informed of any actions that have been taken or given  attention for change to take place.

We are told in the same report that the authorities offer shelter and services to the victims of abuse and that funds for the training of police officials have been provided. Occasionally we read of police action to curb various abuses and law infringements. 

Considering the increase and mixture of nationals in Malta during the past three years, can we have our mind at rest that enough is being done and that the required and appropriate action is taken? 

I think that one must ensure more vigilance and be guaranteed that the most essential action has indeed taken place. 

Above all, it is indispensable to do all possible efforts so that all illicit, intolerant and unscrupulous manipulation of human trafficking and other unacceptable activity is stopped. 

From those who are mostly responsible we expect tangible proof that action is taken. He who does not forbid sin when he can, encourages it.

As citizens we have every right to see our country being respected and feel it is unacceptable that Malta is under a spotlight of dishonour. 

We want our children to grow in a morally healthy environment and to live honestly and without fear in an environment which respects human persons with their whole dignity.

We are all responsible. Together, our institutions, our authorities and everyone of us should do their part to achieve this noble aim.

Carmel Vella is a pensioner.

This is a Times of Malta print opinion piece