NGOs: Malta’s Eyes and Ears on the Rule of Law

Imagine you’re walking down Republic Street, the heart of Valletta, and you notice something amiss. A shopkeeper seems harassed, a passerby looks confused, a sign is missing. You might not know what’s wrong, but you know something’s not right. That’s the essence of monitoring the rule of law – spotting when things aren’t quite as they should be.

Government Calls for Civil Society’s Scrutiny

The Maltese government has thrown open its doors to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to help monitor the rule of law. In a move that signals a commitment to transparency and accountability, the Ministry for Justice, Culture, and Local Government has invited NGOs to join forces to keep a watchful eye on how laws are enforced.

“We’re not just inviting NGOs to the table,” says Minister Edward Zammit Lewis, “we’re asking them to sit at the head of the table. They are the eyes and ears of our society, and we need their perspective to ensure the rule of law is strong and fair.”

NGOs: The Unofficial Watchdogs

NGOs in Malta are no strangers to monitoring and advocating for the rule of law. Organisations like the Malta Human Rights Foundation, Aditus Foundation, and the Office of the Arbiter for Equality have been tirelessly working to ensure that laws are fair, just, and applied equally.

“This invitation is a recognition of the work we’ve been doing,” says Neil Falzon, Executive Director of the Malta Human Rights Foundation. “But it’s also a challenge. It’s a call to step up our game, to be more vigilant, more vocal, and more effective.”

How Will NGOs Help Monitor the Rule of Law?

NGOs will be working alongside the government to monitor the enforcement of laws, identify gaps, and propose improvements. They will be involved in reviewing legal frameworks, observing court proceedings, and assessing the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies.

“We’ll be looking at everything from how laws are enforced on the streets of Rabat to how cases are handled in the courts of Valletta,” says Ruth Farrugia, Director of Aditus Foundation. “We’ll be the voice of the people, making sure their rights are protected and their concerns are addressed.”

But NGOs won’t just be monitoring from the sidelines. They’ll also be working with the government to implement changes. “We’re not just here to criticise,” says Falzon. “We’re here to help. We want to see the rule of law in Malta strengthened, and we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and do the work.”

What Does This Mean for Malta?

This initiative signals a new era of collaboration between the government and civil society. It’s a recognition that the rule of law is not just the government’s responsibility, but everyone’s. It’s a step towards a more transparent, accountable, and fair Malta.

But it’s also a challenge. A challenge to NGOs to step up their game, to be more vigilant, more vocal, and more effective. And a challenge to the government to be open, transparent, and willing to listen and act on the feedback they receive.

As we walk down Republic Street, let’s remember that we’re all responsible for keeping an eye on the rule of law. Let’s be the eyes and ears of our society, spotting when things aren’t quite right, and working together to make them right.

After all, as Minister Zammit Lewis puts it, “The rule of law is not just a legal concept. It’s the foundation of our society, our democracy, and our way of life. And it’s our collective responsibility to protect it.”