The prostitution reform is still a 'work-in-progress,' Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality Rebecca Buttigieg said, adding that any future legal framework must prioritise protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly in the context of human trafficking.

Buttigieg had previously spoken about the need for a legal framework for prostitution that protects those who are vulnerable. Discussions on such a reform have been ongoing since 2021, when Minister Owen Bonnici was Reforms Minister.

Buttigieg was asked to provide an update on where the reform process stands, and what model Malta is considering.

Buttigieg said her office is working on a prostitution reform, though it's still in early stages.

"Every reform having to do with this subject has to look at vulnerable people," she said.

She acknowledged situations where foreign women have ended up in prostitution under false pretences of work in Malta, and thanked the police and FSWS for supporting victims.

She said that prostitution reform and the national strategy against human trafficking are closely linked.

"Prostitution and the fight against human trafficking go hand in hand," she said.

Buttigieg said that her secretariat is discussing with various stakeholders in the sector informally, but she looked forward to the work being done so that as a legislator, she can put forth proposals which include the necessary safeguards and makes sense to the local context.

"Whilst the reform for prostitution is a work-in-progress, we are looking out for the vulnerable by strengthening our fight against human trafficking," Buttigieg said, adding that when a person is forced into prostitution, that constitutes as human trafficking in the eyes of the law.

There have been multiple femicides in Malta in recent years, and domestic violence reports have continued to rise.

She was asked what her office has done in terms of preventive measures to prevent this, and if she believes the current system is failing to protect women.

Buttigieg said that domestic violence prevention is an absolute priority, and under her direction, Malta has launched its third national strategy on gender-based violence and carried out legal reforms based on the Valencia report following Bernice Cassar's murder.

"We implemented almost all of the recommendations in the absolute majority under my direction, with some still ongoing," she said.

She thanked the Commission on Gender-Based and Domestic Violence for their work in the sector, as well as the FSWS, the police, and legal aides, stressing that this is a fight for everyone as a society, not just one entity.

She said government also introduced new laws allowing individuals to check if their partner has a history of domestic violence, and mentioned the opening of the country's first domestic violence hub.

Asked about risk assessments becoming obligatory, as proposed after the Nicolette Ghirxi case, Buttigieg said there is an ongoing professional debate.

"Some believe making it mandatory leads to false responses. I rely on the judgment of professionals on this matter," Buttigieg said.

She urged society to send a message that misogynistic comments on social media are unacceptable.

"There is good work going on, but there is still more to be done," Buttigieg said, appealing for more solidarity among society.

Fighting discrimination and supporting marginalised groups

Asked how government is addressing systemic discrimination of minority groups, Buttigieg pointed to the national anti-racism strategy and guidelines issued with the Housing Authority to combat housing discrimination.

These guidelines clearly explain what one could do if they face discrimination when trying to find accommodation, and how to report it, Buttigieg said.

She also spoke of ongoing awareness campaigns and training initiatives.

"The most important thing is education. We know discrimination happens when there is not enough awareness," Buttigieg said.

Buttigieg said that the second national integration strategy complements the Labour Migration Policy.

"Integration means access to services, the possibility to learn the language, and work in Malta," Buttigieg said.

No further legislative changes on abortion are foreseen

Regarding abortion laws, Buttigieg said the recent legislative change was necessary to fix a legal anomaly that endangered doctors and pregnant women, subjecting them to prison sentences and criminal liability if the doctor intervened to save the woman's life, and as a result, ended the pregnancy.

"Today, the mother and the medical professional are protected and covered by law," she said.

However, she confirmed that no further legislative changes on abortion are foreseen, as they are not part of the government's electoral programme.