The Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD) handled and investigated a total of 988 reports of alleged disability-based discrimination during 2023.

This was announced by Inclusion Minister Julia Farrugia, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Mark Musu, and the CPRD Commissioner Rhoda Garland.

A government statement read that of these reports, 591 were carried over from previous years, while 397 were submitted during the year under review, 2023.

The main areas where disability-based discrimination persists in Malta include accessibility, the provision of goods and services, education, and employment.

Physical accessibility remains a leading concern and is a major reason for pending cases from previous years, as structural works often take time to implement.

Out of all cases processed, the CRPD found no discrimination in 107 instances.

In addition to handling complaints, the CRPD also processed 118 public requests for consultation or advice.

The statement said that considering all complaints and consultations in 2023, the CRPD’s Investigations Unit processed a total of 1,106 cases or reports.

Of the cases resolved, 88% were successfully closed, with discrimination being addressed to the satisfaction of both the clients and the Commission.

The statement said that in 2025, a series of legislative amendments will be presented in Parliament, including the introduction of a panel aimed at providing a faster resolution system for reports of disability-based discrimination.

Another planned reform involves the implementation of the European Accessibility Act. Under this reform, the Commission will assume the role of market surveillance authority, ensuring that goods and services covered by the directive are accessible to everyone.

Minister Farrugia said that it is essential to continue strengthening Malta’s structures to respond more efficiently to the public's calls for equality.

“With the new legislative changes to be introduced in 2025, we are ensuring that the remedies available are quicker and more accessible to everyone. This will not only reduce the number of pending cases but also enhance the transparency and accountability of the process,” Farrugia said.

She continued that the Commission remains committed to fulfilling these objectives to the citizen’s satisfaction, while continuing its efforts to build a fairer and more inclusive society.

CRPD Commissioner Garland said that while these figures indicate that disability-based discrimination still exists in Malta’s society, they also show an increasing awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities and greater trust in the Commission to act on their behalf.

She further explained how the Test of Reasonableness Board (ToRB), which reviews exemption requests related to complaints about accessibility and development, processed 84 cases.

Of these, 47 were deemed reasonable or reasonable with conditions, while 22 were not accepted, and additional information was requested in 15 cases.

Additionally, CRPD technical officers conducted 55 on-site inspections to assess levels of accessibility.