With reference to Annaliza Borg’s article titled “Immigrant beaten, but not run over by motorcycle” (TMIS, 19 July), the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) would like to clarify a number of points.
In April 2007, by virtue of Legal Notice 85 (Equal Treatment of Persons Order), the Commission was vested with responsibilities related to direct or indirect discrimination based on racial or ethnic origin, in relation to the provision of goods and services. In this respect, NCPE is currently working to enhance its informative/educational role and its endeavours to raise awareness and train various sectors of society.
Indeed, in this regard, the Commission has obtained EU funding for a number of projects and launched a number of initiatives aimed at highlighting rights, representation, recognition and respect on the six grounds on which discrimination is prohibited, as recognised by the European Union, namely gender, race/ethnic origin, religion/belief, age, disability and sexual orientation.
Two such projects, “Mosaic” and “Voice For All”, were aimed at highlighting the benefits of equality and diversity in order to combat discrimination. These projects, were not only intended to raise awareness, but also trained members of NGOs, government bodies, human resources managers and the public in general on all grounds of discrimination, including race/ethnic origin, through intensive workshops and media campaigns.
NCPE has in fact issued guidelines and manuals to serve as tools for different sectors of our society. For instance, the Racial and Ethnic Origin Equality Manual has been published to serve as a toolkit for employers, HR managers and providers of goods and services. This manual explains the principles of equality and non-discrimination, and delineates responsibilities and rights, as explained in national legislation in relation to racial equality.
NCPE also works to assist those who feel that they have been discriminated against, by independently investigating complaints and/or cases of discrimination in relation to its remit.
The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality unequivocally condemns all forms of violence and stresses the benefits that diversity can bring to the country, society, local communities and the people in general. This does not entail simply being “politically correct” or having equal opportunity policies. Respecting diversity minimises the effect of discrimination and encourages equal treatment. Hence, embracing diversity entails respecting differences between individuals and combating prejudice, which is essential for the continued growth of our society.
NCPE encourages anybody who feels they have been discriminated against or who would like more information, to contact the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality, Gattard House, National Road, Blata l-Bajda HMR 9010. Alternatively, information can be obtained by calling NCPE on phone number 2590 3850, or by visiting the Commission’s website, www.equality.gov.mt.
Clint Galea
Communications and PR Officer
National Commission for the Promotion of Equality