Malta Maltese denied full human rights protection for a decade: Ombudsman
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Malta’s Human Rights Failure: A Decade of Denial

ByHot Malta

Malta’s Human Rights Ombudsman: A Decade of Denial

Imagine this: You’re walking down Republic Street in Valletta, the sun is shining, and tourists are bustling about. But you’re not just another face in the crowd. You’re a Maltese citizen who, for the past decade, has been denied full human rights protection. This isn’t a dystopian fiction; it’s a reality for many Maltese, according to the country’s own Ombudsman.

Ombudsman’s Stinging Report

The Ombudsman, Charles Picardo, has just published a report that’s through Malta’s political establishment. It’s a scathing indictment of the government’s failure to fully implement the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) into Maltese law. The report, a decade in the making, is a damning assessment of the government’s commitment to human rights.

The Ombudsman isn’t mincing his words. He’s accused the government of “systematic and persistent” failures in protecting human rights. He’s pulled no punches, highlighting a litany of issues, from the lack of a clear legal framework for human rights to the absence of effective remedies for those whose rights have been violated.

Local Impacts: A Closer Look

But what does this mean for everyday Maltese? Let’s look at a few local examples:

    • Freedom of Expression: Remember the La Valette controversy? The government’s decision to rename the capital’s historic street without public consultation raised eyebrows. But it’s also a symptom of a deeper issue. The Ombudsman’s report highlights the lack of protection for freedom of expression, with no clear legal framework for balancing it against other rights.
    • Right to a Fair Trial: The ongoing case of Yorgen Fenech has put Malta’s justice system under the microscope. The Ombudsman’s report raises concerns about the right to a fair trial, including the lack of independence of the judiciary and the need for stronger protections against arbitrary detention.
    • Right to Equality: Malta’s LGBTQ+ community has made significant strides, but the Ombudsman’s report notes that full equality is still not guaranteed. The lack of legal recognition for same-sex couples and the absence of protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity are key concerns.

: What Now?

The Ombudsman’s report is a wake-up call. It’s a stark reminder that, despite Malta’s progress in many areas, there’s still much work to do to fully protect human rights. The government must now act. It must commit to fully implementing the ECHR, providing effective remedies for those whose rights have been violated, and ensuring that human rights are at the heart of all its policies.

But this isn’t just a job for the government. It’s a job for all of us. We must hold our leaders to account. We must demand that human rights are protected. Because, after all, we’re not just walking down Republic Street. We’re fighting for our rights.

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