Unseen Chains: Old and New Slavery in Malta

In the heart of Valletta, Malta’s bustling capital, stands a grand building. It’s the former British Naval Headquarters, now a government office. But it wasn’t always a symbol of power. In the 18th century, it was a slave prison. Today, slavery might seem like a distant past, but it’s not as far as you think. Let’s look Malta’s old and new slavery, the faces behind the chains, and what’s being done to break them.

Malta’s Slavery Past: A Dark Chapter

Malta’s history is a mix conquerors, and so is its slavery story. The Knights of St. John, who ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798, enslaved thousands, mostly Turks and North Africans. They were forced to build the island’s grand architecture, including the Manoel Theatre in La Valletta and the Grandmaster’s Palace in Mdina.

Slaves were also integral to Malta’s maritime industry. They worked on ships, in dockyards, and as galley slaves, powering galleys with their oars. The British, who ruled Malta from 1814 to 1964, abolished slavery in 1834, but the legacy persists.

Modern-Day Slavery: Still Alive in Malta

Slavery didn’t disappear with the abolition act. It evolved. Today, it’s often hidden, disguised as legitimate work. The International Labour Organization estimates that 40.3 million people worldwide are in modern slavery, including in Malta.

Malta’s slave labour victims are often migrants, lured with promises of work, then trapped. They’re forced to work in agriculture, construction, domestic work, and even in the sex industry. The Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector estimates that around 5,000 people are at risk of modern slavery in Malta.

Take the case of ‘Maria’ (not her real name). She came to Malta from Africa, seeking a better life. Instead, she found herself trapped in a brothel in Paceville, St. Julian’s. She was beaten, threatened, and forced to work as a prostitute. Her story is not unique.

Fighting Slavery: Malta’s Response

Malta has laws against slavery. The Criminal Code prohibits slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking. The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act further criminalizes trafficking and provides protection for victims. But enforcement is challenging.

NGOs like the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector and Aditus Foundation are on the frontline, providing support to victims and advocating for stronger laws. They’re pushing for better identification of victims, improved protection, and harsher penalties for traffickers.

Malta’s government is also taking steps. In 2019, it ratified the Council of Europe’s Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. It’s also working on a national referral mechanism to identify and support victims.

But more needs to be done. Awareness is key. We need to recognize the signs of slavery, report suspected cases, and support victims. We need to challenge the myth that slavery is a thing of the past. It’s not. It’s here, in our streets, our cities, our island.

As Malta continues to grow and change, let’s ensure it’s a place where everyone is truly free. Let’s break the chains of the past and present, and build a future where no one is enslaved.

“Slavery is not a distant memory. It’s happening now, here, in Malta. We all have a role to play in ending it,” says Maria, now free and an advocate for other victims.