Minister for European Affairs and Equality Helena Dalli signed and ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women on behalf of Malta during the 63^rd session of the Commission on the Status of Women.

This ratification follows previous ones intended to bring about substantive equality for men and women in Malta, such as the Istanbul Convention, which is now fully transposed in Maltese legislation and policy.

The Optional Protocol recognises the competence of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women  (CEDAW) Committee to provide suggestions and recommendations with regard to rights emanating out of the Convention. It also provides a redress mechanism for the investigation of complaints against State parties to the Convention, and expectation to implement such subsequent recommendations.

"Malta's accession to this protocol is further proof of the government's intention to be bound by the highest international and regional law guaranteeing the rights of all citizens, including those concerning men, women or any other gender," the minister said.

"Additionally, this ratification is particularly significant and timely as a consultation with regard to gender equality mainstreaming legislation and policy is currently open and will come to a close on 8th April."