Constance Milstein
On November 25, Malta and the United States, along with the international community, marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. On this day, which also launches the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, a stark truth demands our attention: millions of women, girls, and marginalized people worldwide still live with the brutal reality of violence and discrimination. And in countries facing democratic erosion, conflict, or political instability, the impact is even more harrowing. As we move toward December 10, Human Rights Day, marking the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), we are reminded that the principles of equality, dignity, and freedom are still denied to many.
The UDHR is not just a historical document; it's a call to action. Every human being, regardless of sex, gender, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, or any other status, deserves protection and respect. Governments have a duty to uphold the rights of all persons, yet around the world, too many fail to defend their most vulnerable. Today, we stand with women and girls who endure conflict-related sexual violence, with those who brave oppressive regimes to demand respect for their human rights and fundamental freedoms, and with the countless women and girls who-statistically one in three-face physical violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
This violence is not a side issue; it is a global emergency. No society is immune-gender-based violence knows no borders, and it crosses every culture, socioeconomic status, race and ethnicity. As Ambassador of the United States, I am proud that U.S. policies and laws like the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) have shifted the narrative, treating domestic violence and sexual assault as violations of human dignity and threats to human rights. Initiatives like the White House Gender Policy Council's National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence and the U.S. Strategy to Prevent and Respond to GBV Globally offer a comprehensive approach, from prevention to survivor support to economic security, signaling that eradicating this violence requires commitment at all levels.
Yet governments cannot do this alone. Here in Malta, for instance, the Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence has implemented the country's action plan under the UN Women, Peace, and Security Agenda, providing awareness training, trauma-informed survivor-centered support, and a powerful example of national commitment. Across the globe, communities, organizations, and individuals must take up this mantle, because ending gender-based violence requires each of us to act.
The road ahead is long, and the work is critical. Statistics tell part of the story, but every number represents a person-someone living in fear, someone silenced, or someone courageously seeking justice. No one should have to live with violence. No one should have to fear for their safety or their dignity. We know our ultimate goal: a world where no one is subjected to violence because of their gender.
Constance Milstein is the US Ambassador for Malta
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Rebecca Buttigieg
The theme of Malta's campaign this year is "Together We Stand, Together We Heal." As Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms & Equality, I am proud of this annual campaign that is a useful tool in raising awareness to bring about meaningful change.
Activism must also be supported by meaningful action from us, the policy makers. In this regard we are guided by the third national strategy on gender-based violence and domestic violence, which we launched last year. Activism is also useful in creating awareness, which helps to empower survivors of domestic violence to break the silence.
Thanks to our awareness raising campaign, over the last couple of years we have noticed that in Malta the number of domestic abuses cases reported to the police is on the increase. This trend is a positive development since these cases are no longer kept behind closed doors but are being investigated and prosecuted.
Through its five-year action plan, our national strategy against domestic violence seeks to sustain the achievements of the two previous national strategies whilst also integrating a more longitudinal vision in its measures and expected outcome.
Through this strategy, Malta continues to fulfill its commitment to attain the golden standards of the Istanbul Convention, prevent violence and bring justice to all.
Domestic violence in all forms affects citizens of every race and nationality and has no borders.
Malta, in recent years, has developed as a multicultural society with citizens from all parts of the world. And since we are wholeheartedly committed to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, our services to address incidents of domestic violence are also aimed at meeting the needs of all citizens, be they Maltese nationals, tourists or foreigners who have made Malta their second home.
Indeed no one is immune to this ingrained social problem and with a heavy heart I admit that although we have strengthened our laws and improved our services, we still have several cases of domestic violence.
Victims, who are living the cycle of an abusive relationship, should know that they deserve better, and that our services are there to give them all the support they need to break this cycle of manipulation and abuse.
No one in our society should ever turn a blind eye to incidents of gender-based violence and domestic violence.
As partners, the United States and Malta are committed to addressing this scourge. Change is within our reach. Whether by reporting abuse, sharing resources, lobbying for better policies, or volunteering, every action counts. Join us in these 16 Days of Activism, and let's envision a world where gender-based violence is a relic of the past. Together, we can build that future. Together, we can act for change.
To report an incident of domestic violence, please call Support line 179.
Rebecca Buttigieg is Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality