It is illegal to discriminate against people on the grounds of their race or ethnicity, the commission for equality warned, referring to reports that one-third of sub-Saharan Africans in Malta were discriminated against because of skin colour.

The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality was reacting to a report by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights showing that a fifth had faced discrimination on the grounds of ethnic origin when looking for work, accessing housing, at work or with school authorities.

The EU-wide survey was based on a sample of over 25,500 randomly selected respondents with different ethnic minority and immigrant backgrounds.

The findings show that very few victims of discrimination reported or complained about the incident they had suffered.

Overall, 12% across Europe reported or made a complaint, compared to 11% of the respondents with sub-Saharan backgrounds living in Malta.

In Malta, a third indicated skin colour as the main grounds for discrimination

The survey also examined the respondents’ level of awareness of organisations that offer support and advice in case of discrimination. More than one-fourth of all respondents across Europe – but only 12% of the respondents of sub-Saharan background in Malta – are aware that such organisations exist.

In September, the Times of Malta published FRA findings showing that Muslim respondents in all European countries other than Malta identified ethnic origin or immigrant background as the main grounds for encountering discrimination.

In Malta, a third indicated skin colour as the main grounds, and this was also mentioned by a quarter of respondents in Greece and a fifth in Italy.

“It is illegal to discriminate against people on the grounds of race or ethnic origin, or to treat them less favourably,” the commission said in the context of FRA’s survey results.

Those who feel discriminated against on the grounds of their race or ethnic origin within the employment sector and regarding the provision of goods and services can alert the NCPE, which is responsible for investigating such complaints.

Meanwhile, to address this concern, the NCPE provides training on diversity, equality and non-discrimination to private and public entities. It reiterated that the participation of all citizens in the various spheres of society enhanced diversity and enriched society.

“Discrimination inhibits diversity – not only limiting the potential of individuals but also the development and advancement of society at large,” the NCPE said.

“Social cohesion and integration of migrants and minorities is only possible if equal opportunities and equal treatment are safeguarded irrespective of race or ethnic origin.”