Equality and Civil Rights Minister Rosianne Cutajar said that Malta shall be transposing an EU directive on preventing and combatting human trafficking to bolster domestic frameworks.
She added that trafficking can be hidden in ordinary places and in everyday interactions and concluded that victims must have their dignity restored through systems that help them rebuild their lives.
The Anti-Human Trafficking Annual Conference for 2026 was held on Friday, where the central point of discussion was the need to have better coordination and collaboration to protect human trafficking victims and prevent this illegal practice.
This event brought together government representatives, including Social Policy Minister Michael Falzon, victim support services, civil society, academics, the private sector, and international organisations.
Under the theme "Shared Responsibility: Strengthening Partnerships to Combat Human Trafficking," discussions in this conference focused on preventing exploitation, identifying human trafficking victims at an early stage, as well as the need to provide them with effective protection, support, and access to justice.
Minister Cutajar stressed that human trafficking remains one of the most serious violations of fundamental rights. She said that behind every statistic is a person who has been deprived of their dignity, freedom, and rights. Minister Cutajar argued that, because of its nature, human trafficking responses must centre around its victims, be based on safeguarding human rights, and be informed of trauma.
Cutajar said that human traffickers' methods are evolving. She noted that human trafficking attempts can come in the form of fake job offers, online advertisements, and promised financial opportunities.
While stating that authorities' response to these realities must be innovative and coordinated through stronger prevention, greater public awareness, early identification, and victims' effective protection, closer cooperation between government entities, law enforcement, civil society, and the private sector is required.
She also said that Malta has concluded its first monitoring and evaluation cycle of its National Strategy and Action Plan on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (2024-2030), to measure progress in this regard.
Minister Falzon said that the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS) assisted 38 human trafficking victims between January and June this year.
"Human trafficking remains a serious threat and should never be accepted," Falzon said, "We must continue to strengthen the legal framework, speed up the identification of victims, and ensure that victims receive protection, shelter and psychological support without delay."
During the conference, the Directorate for Human Rights and the IOM-Bolt Project's work were presented. A discussion was also held between representatives of the private sector, the University of Malta, Aġenzija Appoġġ, JRS Malta, and the International Organisation for Migration, followed by a practical workshop.
The conference closed with a call for continued commitment towards stronger structures and effective protection of vulnerable persons.