Picture this: a quiet morning in Valletta, Malta’s capital city. The sun casts a golden glow on the Grandmaster’s Palace, and the usual hum of activity is punctuated by the distant clanging of church bells. Suddenly, a group of concerned citizens, armed with clipboards and determination, emerge from the Old University building. They’re not protesting, but rather, they’re on a mission to monitor and safeguard something fundamental to our democracy – the rule of law.

The Call to Action: NGOs Invited to Monitor Rule of Law

The Maltese government has thrown open the doors to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to help monitor and evaluate the country’s adherence to the rule of law. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry for Justice, Equality and Governance, is a significant step towards fostering transparency and accountability. The government is inviting NGOs to submit proposals to carry out independent monitoring and evaluation of Malta’s rule of law, with a focus on the independence of the judiciary, the fight against corruption, and the protection of fundamental rights.

Why NGOs? Why Now?

Malta’s civil society organisations are uniquely positioned to play a crucial role in this process. With their fingers on the pulse of the community, NGOs often have firsthand knowledge of issues that may otherwise go unnoticed. They bring a wealth of expertise and a passion for justice that can help ensure the rule of law is upheld for all. this initiative comes at a time when Malta is under international scrutiny, with the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission and the European Commission calling for improvements in the area of the rule of law.

How Can NGOs Get Involved?

NGOs interested in participating can submit their proposals to the Ministry for Justice, Equality and Governance. The proposals should outline the organisation’s capacity to carry out the monitoring and evaluation, as well as their methodology and budget. The deadline for submissions is the 15th of July, 2023.

This is an opportunity for Malta’s NGOs to step into the spotlight and help shape the future of our justice system. It’s a chance to ensure that the rule of law is not just a phrase etched in marble at the Law Courts in Valletta, but a living, breathing principle that guides our society.

, let’s remember the words of former Maltese President, Dr. Eddie Fenech Adami, “The rule of law is the foundation of a democratic society.” Let’s ensure that this foundation remains strong and unyielding.