Towards the implementation of an Anti-Racism Strategy for Malta is a 24-month project aimed at improving Maltese public authorities’ responses to multiple and intersectional discrimination, racism and xenophobia and at laying the foundations for the implementation of a future whole-of-society Strategy. In the past years, the prevalence of hate speech and hate crime has increased, both in the EU and in Malta, with the COVID-19 pandemic worsening the situation. Against this backdrop, Malta started working on a first, upcoming, Anti-Racism Strategy, whilst the EU adopted its anti-racism action plan 2020-2025. This project will bring change through:
- building trust between communities and public authorities by establishing a civil society-led Anti-Racism Platform
- research aimed at deepening Government’s understanding of the experience of members of minority groups in Malta
- the creation of a tool and the adoption of intra-ministerial action plans to ensure anti-racism mainstreaming in Government
- training of public officers in key sectors (health, education, employment, housing, justice, and law enforcement)
- fostering cooperation between stakeholders to improve data collection practices on hate speech and hate crime
- adopting a national Anti-Rumours Strategy based on a thorough diagnosis and the training of Anti-Rumours agents
- spreading a strong anti-discrimination message throughout the Maltese society
Based on this project, Malta will be able to issue a comprehensive and durable strategy against racism.
The consortium is made up of the coordinator, that is the Human Rights Directorate (HRD) and six partners: the European Network against Racism (ENAR), Diversit, Kopin, L-Università ta’ Malta and the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE). The National Statistics Office (NSO) will be an associated partner.