Malta is in
constant efforts to promote equality and respect towards LGBTIQ persons in an
intersectional manner. This includes LGBTIQ persons who whether due to their
sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and/or sex
characteristics or other reasons seek asylum in Malta.
Given that
most asylum seekers come from countries where being out as an LGBTIQ person may
give rise to persecution we also wish to communicate that Malta is a safe place
for LGBTIQ persons. The SOGIGESC Unit developed a welcome poster seeking to impart this simple message.
Another goal
of the SOGIGESC Unit is to ensure that LGBTIQ asylum seekers and migrants are
able to access information around LGBTIQ rights in a language they can
understand.
For this
purpose, in collaboration with UNHCR, the Unit has developed information
leaflets in 6 different languages, these being English, French, Arabic, Somali, Tigrinya and Bangladeshi.
They provide
asylum seekers and migrants in Malta with information on different equality laws
and practices in Malta and information on where to access LGBTIQ-related
services.
This
initiative forms part of a wider campaign being implemented in collaboration
with various national entities which also aims to build the capacity of those working
with migrants in reception centers on how to better cater to the needs and
well-being of LGBTIQ asylum seekers.
