In her article entitled Ta’ wara l-muntanji (TMID, 28 June), Daphne Caruana Galizia called for the establishment of a Commission for Racial Equality on the same lines of the Commission for Gender Equality (sic).

LN85 of 2007 Equal Treatment of Persons Order has in fact vested the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality with the power to investigate complaints on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin, particularly with relation to:

(a) social protection, including social security and healthcare;

(b) social advantages;

(c) education;

(d) access to and supply of goods and services which

are available to the public, including housing,

(e) access to any other

services as may be designated by law.

Similarly, since 2004 the Industrial Tribunal has been vested with the power to investigate complaints on various grounds, including racial or ethnic origin with regard to employment, vocational training, conditions of employment and membership of any employee/employer organisations. The applicable legislation is Cap 452 Employment and Industrial Relations Act and LN461 of 2004 Equal Treatment in Employment Regulations.

Furthermore, the Criminal Code criminalises incitement to racial hatred.

The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality would, however, like to remind the general public that the legislation by itself cannot promote a society that is free from prejudice and discrimination. People who suffer from any instances of discrimination may file a complaint by following the instructions that are available at www.equality.gov.mt Alternatively they can call the Commission on 2590-3850 and be guided by its qualified staff.

Sina Bugeja MSc (Wales); FRSH; MIM

Executive Director

National Commission

for the Promotion

of Equality