Malta’s Homeless Fight for the Right to Sleep

In the heart of Valletta, beneath the grand balconies of the Palazzo Parisio, a man unfurls his sleeping bag. It’s 11 pm, and the city’s cobbled streets are quiet, save for the distant hum of traffic. This is home for many nights for Malta’s homeless, a stark contrast to the island’s booming tourism industry and thriving economy.

The Law: A Grey Area

Malta’s laws regarding the right to sleep are complex and open to interpretation. While the Criminal Code prohibits ‘vagrancy’, the definition is vague, and enforcement varies. The Police Act also allows officers to remove people from public spaces if they cause a nuisance or disorder. However, human rights advocates argue that these laws can infringe upon the right to sleep, a fundamental human right recognised by the UN.

Dr. Maria Pisani, a human rights lawyer, explains, “The right to sleep is not explicitly stated in our Constitution, but it’s implied under the right to a dignified life. The problem lies in the interpretation and enforcement of these laws.”

The Reality: A Night in Malta’s Streets

On a chilly December night, we meet Joseph (not his real name), a 45-year-old man who’s been sleeping rough in Valletta for six months. He tells us, “I’ve been trying to find work, but it’s hard. Some nights, I sleep on the streets. Other nights, I find a spot in an abandoned building.” Joseph’s story is not unique. According to Malta’s Housing Authority, there are around 1,000 homeless people on the island.

Sleeping on the streets comes with its challenges. There’s the cold, the noise, the constant fear of being moved on by police. Joseph says, “It’s not just about sleep. It’s about feeling safe, feeling like you belong somewhere.”

The Response: Initiatives and Challenges

Malta’s government has been working to tackle homelessness. The Housing Authority provides temporary accommodation and support services. NGOs like Dar tal-Providenza and St. Martin’s Institute offer shelters and rehabilitation programs. However, demand outstrips supply, and many people still find themselves without a place to sleep.

Initiatives like ‘Sleep Out’ see participants spend a night on the streets to raise awareness and funds for homelessness. But for those who live this reality every night, it’s more than just a one-off event. They need long-term solutions, not sympathy sleepovers.

Dr. Pisani believes that more needs to be done. “We need clearer laws, better enforcement, and more support services. We also need to address the root causes of homelessness – poverty, mental health issues, lack of affordable housing.”

Malta’s Minister for Social Accommodation, Roderick Galdes, agrees. “Homelessness is a complex issue. We’re working on increasing affordable housing, improving mental health services, and providing more support to those in need.”

The Future: A Right to Rest

Malta’s homelessness crisis is far from over. But there’s hope. With clearer laws, more support services, and a commitment to affordable housing, Malta can ensure that everyone has the right to sleep, the right to rest, and the right to a dignified life.

As Joseph puts it, “I just want a place to call home. A place to sleep, to rest, to start again.”