The government has launched a public consultation on two draft laws which it said aim to significantly enhance the rights, autonomy, and protection of persons with disabilities and vulnerable adults.

The proposed legislation delivers on a central government electoral promise and places Malta among the leading European nations implemetning Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the government said.

The Personal Autonomy Bill and the Protection of Adults in Vulnerable Situations Act (PASVA) were announced by Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering Julia Farrugia, who described them as a historic step toward a fairer and more inclusive society.

"These laws are not just reforms on paper," said Minister Farrugia. "They are a clear affirmation of our values as a society that believes in the dignity, autonomy and rights of every person, regardless of disability, age, or health."

The Personal Autonomy Bill introduces a right for all individuals, including those with disabilities, to make decisions about their own lives. Crucially, it establishes the legal right to support in decision-making, ensuring people can participate actively in both everyday and significant choices - such as financial matters or inheritance - without having others impose decisions on them, except in extreme cases, the statement read.

In parallel, the Protection of Adults in Vulnerable Situations Act will establish a framework for safeguarding those at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Under the new law, specially appointed officers will work with various stakeholders - including courts, health professionals, and NGOs - to ensure that vulnerable adults are heard and protected, the government said. The Act will also enable civil and criminal prosecutions, introduce certification for professionals working with vulnerable adults, and create a register of convicted offenders, who will be barred from working or volunteering with this group, it said.

The consultation follows extensive dialogue with affected individuals, families, NGOs, government agencies, and international legal experts, including two UN Special Rapporteurs, the government said. It added that the need for reform was emphasised in 2018 by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which noted that the Maltese legal system still limited the autonomy of persons with disabilities.

With these new laws, Malta joins countries such as Ireland, Spain, and Austria in actively reforming national legislation to meet UN obligations on disability rights, it said. The legislation is designed to transition from a substitute decision-making model to one based on supported decision-making, empowering individuals while offering safeguards where truly necessary, it added.

Minister Farrugia stated that this shift "changes the system from one that chooses who gets to decide for themselves, to one that empowers every person with the support they need to do so." The public consultation is now open, and members of the public, especially those directly affected, are encouraged to participate. The Government emphasised that input from citizens, professionals and advocacy groups will be critical in refining and implementing the final laws.