Tomorrow, on International Human Rights Day, the Maltese Government said it will join international human rights institutions and civil society in the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.
"Significant progress was achieved during the past year with the enactment of legislation that effectively criminalises conversion practices on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression; the enactment of a Cohabitation Act allowing couples to draw up the parameters that should be applicable for their cohabitation; and the introduction of marriage equality for all," a government statement read.
"We are now at an advanced stage in the adoption of a law that will modernise the way in which gender-based violence and domestic violence are dealt with in line with the Istanbul Convention. The respective strategy and an action plan were launched by government last month and the various services are already working closely together to be ready to deliver in line with the new legal provisions."
"A national migrant integration strategy shall be launched this coming week with various measures being rolled out to ensure that migrants are fully active participants within Maltese society. Government is also finalising the Equality Act and the Human Rights and Equality Commission Act which will set up a fully independent human rights institution in line with the Paris Principles and will fall under the remit of Parliament."
"We augur that this day serves for a wide reflection in Maltese society on the progress achieved and the route ahead to ensure that all of us are equal in front of the law and that human rights are upheld at all times."