Society is increasingly being driven by a mentality where economic gain is used as a measure of success, striving “incessantly, and often at all cost, to generate wealth”, the Church’s Social Justice and Peace Commission fears.
In a document published to mark the World Day of Social Justice, the Commission noted that while the Church’s teachings focused on a human-centred approach, this did not seem to be the force that was driving Maltese society.
“Our society unashamedly favours the rich because of the real or perceived benefits that wealth brings our economy,” the 13-page document states.
The Commission also argues that while the country enjoyed what it described as a “period of unprecedented economic growth”, there was still “ample evidence” that poverty was real and that some continued struggling to survive.
An increasing number of people are denied access to basic services
“In spite of our relative affluence, an increasing number of people are denied access to basic services, and fail to find the support that they need. Yet, it is possible for us to go through life largely oblivious to the reality of the other, until the story of a miserable life or a tragic death hits the headlines and draws our attention, even if only momentarily, to the reality of poverty and injustice,” the document reads.
According to the Commission, such stories serve as a vivid reminder that the wealth that is being generated is not reaching everyone.
The Church’s Commission also calls for a “human-centred approach to migration,” insisting that a reflection on the justness of the laws and policies on the treatment of migrants was needed.
“This is particularly relevant now, not only because Malta’s population of migrant workers is increasing rapidly, but also in the light of the recently launched government strategy document on integration of migrants, including refugees and other beneficiaries of protection,” the Commission insists.
The document also calls on the government to implement a number of measures which the Commission believes will help ensure more equitable treatment of migrants and refugees. These include the creation of a strong legal framework to protect migrant workers and the amendment of citizenship laws to facilitate migrants’ access to citizenship.
Referring to the Individual Investor Programme (IIP), the Commission notes that until the introduction of the programme, Malta had one of the most restrictive citizenship regimes in Europe.
“The IIP changed this, but only for the wealthy. Contrast the rules regulating the IIP, which guarantee access to citizenship with relative ease to applicants who meet the financial requirements, with the rules regulating access to citizenship for beneficiaries of international protection,” the Commission writes.