| MALTA Republic of Malta Repubblika ta' Malta Joined United Nations: 1 December 1964 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 01/03/11 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Valletta
406,771 (July 2010 est.)
Lawrence Gonzi
Prime Minister since 23 March 2004
Prime Minister since 23 March 2004
President elected by the House of Representatives for a five-year
term (eligible for a second term); election last held 12 January 2009
Next scheduled election: April 2014
term (eligible for a second term); election last held 12 January 2009
Next scheduled election: April 2014
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or
leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister
by the president for a five-year term; the deputy prime minister is
appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister;
last held 8 March 2008
Next scheduled election: March 2013
leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister
by the president for a five-year term; the deputy prime minister is
appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister;
last held 8 March 2008
Next scheduled election: March 2013
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Maltese (descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians, with strong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock)
| RELIGIONS |
Roman Catholic 98%
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Republic with no administrative divisions; Legal system is based on English common law and Roman civil law; accepts compulsory
ICJ jurisdiction with reservations
Executive: President elected by the House of Representatives for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 12
January 2009 (next to be held by April 2014); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition
is usually appointed prime minister by the president for a five-year term; the deputy prime minister is appointed by the president on the
advice of the prime minister
Legislative: Unicameral House of Representatives (usually 65 seats; members are elected by popular vote on the basis of
proportional representation to serve five-year terms; note - additional seats are given to the party with the largest popular vote to
ensure a legislative majority)
elections: last held on 8 March 2008 (next to be held by March 2013)
Judicial: Constitutional Court; Court of Appeal; judges for both courts are appointed by the president on the advice of the prime
minister
ICJ jurisdiction with reservations
Executive: President elected by the House of Representatives for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 12
January 2009 (next to be held by April 2014); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition
is usually appointed prime minister by the president for a five-year term; the deputy prime minister is appointed by the president on the
advice of the prime minister
Legislative: Unicameral House of Representatives (usually 65 seats; members are elected by popular vote on the basis of
proportional representation to serve five-year terms; note - additional seats are given to the party with the largest popular vote to
ensure a legislative majority)
elections: last held on 8 March 2008 (next to be held by March 2013)
Judicial: Constitutional Court; Court of Appeal; judges for both courts are appointed by the president on the advice of the prime
minister
| LANGUAGES |
Maltese (official) 90.2%, English (official) 6%, multilingual 3%, other 0.8% (2005 census)
| BRIEF HISTORY |
Man first arrived in Malta around 5200 BC. These first Neolithic people probably arrived from Sicily (about 100 kilometres/60
miles north), and were mainly farming and fishing communities, with some evidence of hunting activities. They apparently lived in
caves and open dwellings. During the centuries that followed there is evidence of further contacts with other cultures, which left their
influence on the local communities, evidenced by their pottery designs and colours. One of the most notable periods of Malta's
history is the temple period, starting around 3600 BC. The Ggantia Prehistoric Temple in Gozo are the oldest free-standing
buildings in the world (photo). Many of the temples are in the form of five semicircular rooms connected at the centre. It has been
suggested that these might have represented the head, arms and legs of a deity, since one of the commonest kinds of statue found in
these temples is a fat woman — a symbol of fertility. The Temple period lasted until about 2500 BC, at which point the civilization
that raised these huge monoliths seems to have disappeared. There is much speculation about what might have happened and
whether they were completely wiped out or assimilated. The society that built these structures eventually died out or at any rate
disappeared. Phoenicians from Tyre colonized the islands around 1000 BC, using them as an outpost from which they expanded
sea explorations and trade in the Mediterranean. In the late 8th century BC, a Greek colony called Melite (from the Doric Greek
word for "honeybee") was founded on the main island. The islands later came under the control of Carthage (400 BC) and then of
Rome (218 BC). The islands prospered under Roman rule, during which time they were considered a Municipium and a Foederata
Civitas. Many Roman antiquities still exist, testifying to the close link between the Maltese inhabitants and the people of Rome. In
AD 60, the islands were visited by Saint Paul, who is said to have been shipwrecked on the shores of the aptly-named "Saint Paul's
Bay". Studies of the currents and prevalent winds at the time however, render it more likely that the shipwreck occurred in or
around St. Thomas Bay in Marsaskala. In 440 the island was captured by the Vandals, which had recently occupied the Roman
province of Africa. It was recovered by the east Roman general Belisarius in 533, along with the other Vandal possessions, and
remained a part of the east Roman province of Sicily for the next 340 years. Malta was occupied by Sicilian Arabs in AD 870. The
following 260 years of Arab rule had a very great influence on the existing civilization. The Arabs introduced many new techniques
in irrigation, some of which are still used, unchanged. Many place names in Malta also date to this period. The city of Mdina,
extensively modified in this period, also bears slight resemblance to towns found in the North of Africa. The Norman takeover of
Malta isolated the Maltese dialect of Arabic from Islamic contact and mainstream Arabic, and Maltese evolved quickly into a
distinct language. It is a Semitic language, derived from Arabic and later much influenced by Italian (Sicilian and Standard Italian),
and to some degree also by English. For many centuries, the Maltese language was only used in spoken form, and Italian was used
for writing. Today the Maltese language, written in the Latin alphabet, is used as the standard language of Malta, alongside English,
which remains an official language. In 1091, count Roger I of Sicily, made an initial attempt to establish Norman rule of Malta. In
1127, his son Roger II of Sicily succeeded. This marked the gradual change from an Arab cultural influence to a European one. In
1191, Tancred of Sicily appointed Margaritus of Brindisi the first Count of Malta. Until the 13th century, however, there remained a
strong Muslim segment of society. Malta was an appendage of Sicily for 440 years. During this period, Malta was sold and resold
to various feudal lords and barons and was dominated successively by the rulers of Swabia, Angevin, Aragon, Castile, and Spain.
Eventually Aragon, who then ruled Malta, joined with Castile in 1479, and Malta became part of the Spanish Empire. In the early
16th century, the Ottoman Empire started spreading over the region, reaching South-East Europe. The Spanish king Charles V
feared that if Rome fell to the Turks, it would be the end of Christian Europe. In 1522, Suleiman II drove the Knight Hospitallers of
St. John out of Rhodes. They dispersed to their commanderies in Europe. Wanting to protect Rome from invasion from the South,
in 1530, Charles V handed over the island to these Knights. For the next 275 years, these famous "Knights of Malta" made the
island their domain. They built towns, palaces, churches, gardens, and fortifications and embellished the island with numerous works
of art and enhanced cultural heritage. On May 18, 1565, Suleiman the Magnificent laid siege to Malta. By the time the Ottoman
fleet arrived the Knights were as ready as they could be. First the Ottomans attacked the newly built fort of St. Elmo and after a
whole month of fighting the fort was in rubble and the soldiers kept fighting till the Turks ended their lives. After this they started
attacking Birgu and the fortifications at Senglea but to no gain. After a protracted siege ended on September 8 of the same year,
which became known in history as "the Great Siege", the Ottoman Empire conceded defeat as the approaching winter storms
threatened to prevent them from leaving. The Ottoman empire had expected an easy victory within weeks. They had 40,000 men
arrayed against the Knights' nine thousand, most of them Maltese soldiers and simple citizens bearing arms. Their loss of thousands
of men was very demoralising. The Ottomans made no further significant military advances in Europe and the Sultan died a few
years later. Over the years, the power of the Knights declined; their reign ended when Napoleon Bonaparte's fleet arrived in 1798,
en route to his expedition of Egypt. Napoleon asked for safe harbor to resupply his ships, and when they refused to supply him with
water, Napoleon Bonaparte sent a division to scale the hills of Valetta. The Maltese people rebelled, and the French garrison of
General Claude-Henri Belgrand de Vaubois retreated into Valletta. After several failed attempts by the locals to retake Valletta,
they asked the British for assistance. Rear Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson decided on a total blockade, and in 1800 the French
garrison surrendered. In 1800, Malta voluntarily became part of the British Empire. Under the terms of the 1802 Treaty of Amiens,
Britain was supposed to evacuate the island, but failed to keep this obligation - one of several mutual cases of non-adherence to the
treaty, which eventually led to its collapse and the resumption of war between Britain and France. Before the arrival of the British,
the language of the educated elite had been Italian, but this was increasingly downgraded by the increased use of English. In 1934,
English and Maltese were declared the sole official languages. Being a British colony, situated close to Sicily and the Axis shipping
lanes, Malta was bombarded by the Italian and German air forces. After the war, the islands were given self-rule. Malta was the
only British colony where integration with the UK was seriously considered, and subsequent British governments have ruled out
integration for remaining overseas territories, such as Gibraltar. It was soon clear that the locals now favoured independence, and on
21 September 1964, Malta became an independent state. Malta became a republic on December 13, 1974, with the last Governor-
General, Sir Anthony Mamo, as its first President. In 1979 the last British forces left the island. Malta joined the EU in May 2004.
On 16 May 2007, the European Commission backed by the European Central Bank gave its green light for the introduction in
January 2008.The EU finance ministers gave the green light on 10 July 2007. On 1st January 2008 Malta adopted the Euro as the
national currency together with the Maltese Lira. On 1st February 2008 the Maltese Lira lost its legal tender.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Malta
miles north), and were mainly farming and fishing communities, with some evidence of hunting activities. They apparently lived in
caves and open dwellings. During the centuries that followed there is evidence of further contacts with other cultures, which left their
influence on the local communities, evidenced by their pottery designs and colours. One of the most notable periods of Malta's
history is the temple period, starting around 3600 BC. The Ggantia Prehistoric Temple in Gozo are the oldest free-standing
buildings in the world (photo). Many of the temples are in the form of five semicircular rooms connected at the centre. It has been
suggested that these might have represented the head, arms and legs of a deity, since one of the commonest kinds of statue found in
these temples is a fat woman — a symbol of fertility. The Temple period lasted until about 2500 BC, at which point the civilization
that raised these huge monoliths seems to have disappeared. There is much speculation about what might have happened and
whether they were completely wiped out or assimilated. The society that built these structures eventually died out or at any rate
disappeared. Phoenicians from Tyre colonized the islands around 1000 BC, using them as an outpost from which they expanded
sea explorations and trade in the Mediterranean. In the late 8th century BC, a Greek colony called Melite (from the Doric Greek
word for "honeybee") was founded on the main island. The islands later came under the control of Carthage (400 BC) and then of
Rome (218 BC). The islands prospered under Roman rule, during which time they were considered a Municipium and a Foederata
Civitas. Many Roman antiquities still exist, testifying to the close link between the Maltese inhabitants and the people of Rome. In
AD 60, the islands were visited by Saint Paul, who is said to have been shipwrecked on the shores of the aptly-named "Saint Paul's
Bay". Studies of the currents and prevalent winds at the time however, render it more likely that the shipwreck occurred in or
around St. Thomas Bay in Marsaskala. In 440 the island was captured by the Vandals, which had recently occupied the Roman
province of Africa. It was recovered by the east Roman general Belisarius in 533, along with the other Vandal possessions, and
remained a part of the east Roman province of Sicily for the next 340 years. Malta was occupied by Sicilian Arabs in AD 870. The
following 260 years of Arab rule had a very great influence on the existing civilization. The Arabs introduced many new techniques
in irrigation, some of which are still used, unchanged. Many place names in Malta also date to this period. The city of Mdina,
extensively modified in this period, also bears slight resemblance to towns found in the North of Africa. The Norman takeover of
Malta isolated the Maltese dialect of Arabic from Islamic contact and mainstream Arabic, and Maltese evolved quickly into a
distinct language. It is a Semitic language, derived from Arabic and later much influenced by Italian (Sicilian and Standard Italian),
and to some degree also by English. For many centuries, the Maltese language was only used in spoken form, and Italian was used
for writing. Today the Maltese language, written in the Latin alphabet, is used as the standard language of Malta, alongside English,
which remains an official language. In 1091, count Roger I of Sicily, made an initial attempt to establish Norman rule of Malta. In
1127, his son Roger II of Sicily succeeded. This marked the gradual change from an Arab cultural influence to a European one. In
1191, Tancred of Sicily appointed Margaritus of Brindisi the first Count of Malta. Until the 13th century, however, there remained a
strong Muslim segment of society. Malta was an appendage of Sicily for 440 years. During this period, Malta was sold and resold
to various feudal lords and barons and was dominated successively by the rulers of Swabia, Angevin, Aragon, Castile, and Spain.
Eventually Aragon, who then ruled Malta, joined with Castile in 1479, and Malta became part of the Spanish Empire. In the early
16th century, the Ottoman Empire started spreading over the region, reaching South-East Europe. The Spanish king Charles V
feared that if Rome fell to the Turks, it would be the end of Christian Europe. In 1522, Suleiman II drove the Knight Hospitallers of
St. John out of Rhodes. They dispersed to their commanderies in Europe. Wanting to protect Rome from invasion from the South,
in 1530, Charles V handed over the island to these Knights. For the next 275 years, these famous "Knights of Malta" made the
island their domain. They built towns, palaces, churches, gardens, and fortifications and embellished the island with numerous works
of art and enhanced cultural heritage. On May 18, 1565, Suleiman the Magnificent laid siege to Malta. By the time the Ottoman
fleet arrived the Knights were as ready as they could be. First the Ottomans attacked the newly built fort of St. Elmo and after a
whole month of fighting the fort was in rubble and the soldiers kept fighting till the Turks ended their lives. After this they started
attacking Birgu and the fortifications at Senglea but to no gain. After a protracted siege ended on September 8 of the same year,
which became known in history as "the Great Siege", the Ottoman Empire conceded defeat as the approaching winter storms
threatened to prevent them from leaving. The Ottoman empire had expected an easy victory within weeks. They had 40,000 men
arrayed against the Knights' nine thousand, most of them Maltese soldiers and simple citizens bearing arms. Their loss of thousands
of men was very demoralising. The Ottomans made no further significant military advances in Europe and the Sultan died a few
years later. Over the years, the power of the Knights declined; their reign ended when Napoleon Bonaparte's fleet arrived in 1798,
en route to his expedition of Egypt. Napoleon asked for safe harbor to resupply his ships, and when they refused to supply him with
water, Napoleon Bonaparte sent a division to scale the hills of Valetta. The Maltese people rebelled, and the French garrison of
General Claude-Henri Belgrand de Vaubois retreated into Valletta. After several failed attempts by the locals to retake Valletta,
they asked the British for assistance. Rear Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson decided on a total blockade, and in 1800 the French
garrison surrendered. In 1800, Malta voluntarily became part of the British Empire. Under the terms of the 1802 Treaty of Amiens,
Britain was supposed to evacuate the island, but failed to keep this obligation - one of several mutual cases of non-adherence to the
treaty, which eventually led to its collapse and the resumption of war between Britain and France. Before the arrival of the British,
the language of the educated elite had been Italian, but this was increasingly downgraded by the increased use of English. In 1934,
English and Maltese were declared the sole official languages. Being a British colony, situated close to Sicily and the Axis shipping
lanes, Malta was bombarded by the Italian and German air forces. After the war, the islands were given self-rule. Malta was the
only British colony where integration with the UK was seriously considered, and subsequent British governments have ruled out
integration for remaining overseas territories, such as Gibraltar. It was soon clear that the locals now favoured independence, and on
21 September 1964, Malta became an independent state. Malta became a republic on December 13, 1974, with the last Governor-
General, Sir Anthony Mamo, as its first President. In 1979 the last British forces left the island. Malta joined the EU in May 2004.
On 16 May 2007, the European Commission backed by the European Central Bank gave its green light for the introduction in
January 2008.The EU finance ministers gave the green light on 10 July 2007. On 1st January 2008 Malta adopted the Euro as the
national currency together with the Maltese Lira. On 1st February 2008 the Maltese Lira lost its legal tender.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Malta
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has limited fresh water supplies, and has few domestic energy sources. Malta's
geographic position between the EU and Africa makes it a target for illegal immigration, which has strained Malta's political and
economic resources. Malta adopted the euro on 1 January 2008. Malta's financial services industry has grown in recent years and in
2008-09 it escaped significant damage from the international financial crisis, largely because the sector is centered on the indigenous
real estate market and is not highly leveraged. Locally, the restricted damage from the financial crisis has been attributed to the
stability of the Maltese banking system and to its prudent risk-management practices. The global economic downturn and high
electricity and water prices have hurt Malta's real economy, which is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing - especially
electronics and pharmaceuticals - and tourism. Following a few years of modest growth, Malta's economy contracted by 2.2% in
2009, and the government of Malta took steps to provide direct grants to struggling local businesses.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Malta)
geographic position between the EU and Africa makes it a target for illegal immigration, which has strained Malta's political and
economic resources. Malta adopted the euro on 1 January 2008. Malta's financial services industry has grown in recent years and in
2008-09 it escaped significant damage from the international financial crisis, largely because the sector is centered on the indigenous
real estate market and is not highly leveraged. Locally, the restricted damage from the financial crisis has been attributed to the
stability of the Maltese banking system and to its prudent risk-management practices. The global economic downturn and high
electricity and water prices have hurt Malta's real economy, which is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing - especially
electronics and pharmaceuticals - and tourism. Following a few years of modest growth, Malta's economy contracted by 2.2% in
2009, and the government of Malta took steps to provide direct grants to struggling local businesses.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Malta)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
Since Independence, general elections have been held in 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1987, 1992, 1996, 1998 , 2003 and 2008.
Two parties have dominated Malta's polarized and evenly-divided politics during this period: the Partit Nazzjonalista and the Partit
Laburista. Third parties have failed to score any electoral success: in the last election 2008 the Democratic Alternative (a Green
Party established in 1989) managed to secure only 1.31% of the first preference votes nationwide. Elections have invariably
generated a widespread voter turnout exceeding 90% of registered voters.
The Nationalist government wrapped up negotiations for European Union membership by the end of 2002. A referendum on the
issue was called in March of 2003 for which the Nationalists and the Democratic Alternative campaigned for a "yes" vote while
Labour campaigned heavily for "no" vote, invalidate their vote or abstain. Turnout was 91%, with more than 53% voting "yes".
On 1st January 2004, Malta entered the EU and four years later on 1st January 2008, Malta entered the Eurozone and adopted the
Euro as the national currency. On 4th February 2008, the Prime Minister asked the President to dissolve parliament. The elections
were held in March of 2008 coinciding the 5 years anniversary when the Maltese voted Yes in the Referendum. In the General
Elections 2008 The Malta Labour Party lost narrowly for the third consecutive time obtaining 48.79% of the overall votes whilst the
Nationalist Party obtaining a 49.34% relative majority of the votes.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Malta
Two parties have dominated Malta's polarized and evenly-divided politics during this period: the Partit Nazzjonalista and the Partit
Laburista. Third parties have failed to score any electoral success: in the last election 2008 the Democratic Alternative (a Green
Party established in 1989) managed to secure only 1.31% of the first preference votes nationwide. Elections have invariably
generated a widespread voter turnout exceeding 90% of registered voters.
The Nationalist government wrapped up negotiations for European Union membership by the end of 2002. A referendum on the
issue was called in March of 2003 for which the Nationalists and the Democratic Alternative campaigned for a "yes" vote while
Labour campaigned heavily for "no" vote, invalidate their vote or abstain. Turnout was 91%, with more than 53% voting "yes".
On 1st January 2004, Malta entered the EU and four years later on 1st January 2008, Malta entered the Eurozone and adopted the
Euro as the national currency. On 4th February 2008, the Prime Minister asked the President to dissolve parliament. The elections
were held in March of 2008 coinciding the 5 years anniversary when the Maltese voted Yes in the Referendum. In the General
Elections 2008 The Malta Labour Party lost narrowly for the third consecutive time obtaining 48.79% of the overall votes whilst the
Nationalist Party obtaining a 49.34% relative majority of the votes.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Malta
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
None reported.
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
Minor transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to Western Europe
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Reports: Malta
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Malta is a constitutional republic and parliamentary democracy with a population of approximately 400,000. The president is the head of
state and is appointed by the unicameral parliament (House of Representatives). The president appoints as prime minister the leader of the
party that gains a majority of seats in parliamentary elections. General elections held in March 2008 were free and fair. Civilian authorities
generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Malta is a constitutional republic and parliamentary democracy with a population of approximately 400,000. The president is the head of
state and is appointed by the unicameral parliament (House of Representatives). The president appoints as prime minister the leader of the
party that gains a majority of seats in parliamentary elections. General elections held in March 2008 were free and fair. Civilian authorities
generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
- There were reports that the government detained irregular migrants under harsh conditions;
- there were some restrictions on free speech.
- Societal problems included child abuse, trafficking in persons, and substandard work conditions for irregular migrants.
9 November 2010
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Forty-seventh session
4 – 22 October 2010
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 18 of the Convention
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Malta
A. Introduction
2. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for its fourth periodic report, which in general followed the Committee’s
guidelines for the preparation of reports, with references to the previous concluding observations, although it was overdue, lacked
references to the Committee’s general recommendations, and provided limited sex-disaggregated statistics and qualitative data on the
situation of women in the areas covered by the Convention, in particular in respect of women from disadvantaged groups. The
Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for its oral presentation, the extensive written replies to the list of issues and
questions raised by its pre-session working group and the further clarification to the questions posed orally by the Committee.
B. Positive aspects
4. The Committee welcomes the amendments made in 2009 to the Equality for Men and Women Act which have broadened the time
frame of protection against discrimination on the grounds of sex and family responsibility.
5. The Committee further welcomes the strengthening of the independence and functions of the National Commission for the Promotion
of Equality through the Equality for Men and Women (Amendment) Act, 2009.
C. Principal areas of concern and recommendations
1. General measures of implementation
Legislation
8. The Committee recalls the obligation of the State party to systematically and continuously implement all the provisions of the
Convention and views the concerns and recommendations identified in the present concluding observations as requiring the priority
attention of the State party between now and the submission of the next periodic report. Consequently, the Committee urges the State
party to focus on those areas in its implementation activities and to report on actions taken and results achieved in its next periodic
report. The Committee calls upon the State party to submit the present concluding observations to all relevant ministries, to the
Parliament, and to the judiciary, so as to ensure their full implementation.
Click here to read more »
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Forty-seventh session
4 – 22 October 2010
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 18 of the Convention
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Malta
A. Introduction
2. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for its fourth periodic report, which in general followed the Committee’s
guidelines for the preparation of reports, with references to the previous concluding observations, although it was overdue, lacked
references to the Committee’s general recommendations, and provided limited sex-disaggregated statistics and qualitative data on the
situation of women in the areas covered by the Convention, in particular in respect of women from disadvantaged groups. The
Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for its oral presentation, the extensive written replies to the list of issues and
questions raised by its pre-session working group and the further clarification to the questions posed orally by the Committee.
B. Positive aspects
4. The Committee welcomes the amendments made in 2009 to the Equality for Men and Women Act which have broadened the time
frame of protection against discrimination on the grounds of sex and family responsibility.
5. The Committee further welcomes the strengthening of the independence and functions of the National Commission for the Promotion
of Equality through the Equality for Men and Women (Amendment) Act, 2009.
C. Principal areas of concern and recommendations
1. General measures of implementation
Legislation
8. The Committee recalls the obligation of the State party to systematically and continuously implement all the provisions of the
Convention and views the concerns and recommendations identified in the present concluding observations as requiring the priority
attention of the State party between now and the submission of the next periodic report. Consequently, the Committee urges the State
party to focus on those areas in its implementation activities and to report on actions taken and results achieved in its next periodic
report. The Committee calls upon the State party to submit the present concluding observations to all relevant ministries, to the
Parliament, and to the judiciary, so as to ensure their full implementation.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2010 Report
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Trend Arrow
Malta received a downward trend arrow due to its refusal to assist seagoing migrants in distress and the deplorable conditions
of detention centers for migrants, which have yet to be brought up to European Union standards.
Overview
Immigration issues emerged again for Malta in 2009 after the European Union Justice Commissioner publicly criticized the deplorable
conditions for immigrants and asylum seekers in Malta’s detention centers. In August, tensions arose with Italy when Malta failed to
rescue Eritrean migrants in distress off Malta’s coast; Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini suggested Malta should hand over part of
its search and rescue area to Italy.
In January 2009, former Labour leader George Abela was nominated for president and was sworn in April. He was the first president to
be nominated by a political party not in power and the first backed by both sides of the House since 1974. In June European
Parliamentary elections, Simon Busuttil was reelected with a historical 69,000 votes.
In September 2008, the government welcomed the EU’s adoption of the European Pact on Immigration and Asylum. Malta had long
advocated a common EU immigration policy to help share the responsibility of integrating the influx of migrants it receives each year.
Tensions over immigration flared up again in 2009 after 75 Eritrean migrants died at sea in August due to Malta’s failure to send rescue
vessels. Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini accused Malta of being ill-equipped to handle its vast search and rescue area (SAR), and
urged Malta to either hand over part of its SAR to Italy or take in the asylum seekers that Italy saves within Malta’s jurisdiction.
However, Malta rejected Frattini’s proposals. In March, EU Justice Commissioner Jacques Barrot criticized Malta for the deplorable
conditions of its detention centers, including break-outs, riots, and overcrowding. The state of Maltese detention centers caused the
nongovernmental organization (NGO) Medecins Sans Frontiers to leave Malta in protest that same month. The organization resumed its
work in July after improvements were made, allowing for medical practitioners to work under better conditions. Also in March, Malta
struck an agreement with Libya specifying that both countries would assist one another with search and rescue missions.
Malta is an electoral democracy. Members of the 65-seat unicameral legislature, the House of Representatives, are elected through
proportional representation with a single-transferable-vote (STV) arrangement, allowing voters to rank competing candidates by
preference. The parliament is elected for five-year terms, and lawmakers in turn elect the president, who also serves for five years. The
president names the prime minister, usually the leader of the majority party or coalition. Elections are generally free and fair. After the
2008 elections, four extra seats were added to the parliament, for a total of 69 members, to ensure that the party winning the overall
popular vote obtained a legislative majority.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Trend Arrow
Malta received a downward trend arrow due to its refusal to assist seagoing migrants in distress and the deplorable conditions
of detention centers for migrants, which have yet to be brought up to European Union standards.
Overview
Immigration issues emerged again for Malta in 2009 after the European Union Justice Commissioner publicly criticized the deplorable
conditions for immigrants and asylum seekers in Malta’s detention centers. In August, tensions arose with Italy when Malta failed to
rescue Eritrean migrants in distress off Malta’s coast; Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini suggested Malta should hand over part of
its search and rescue area to Italy.
In January 2009, former Labour leader George Abela was nominated for president and was sworn in April. He was the first president to
be nominated by a political party not in power and the first backed by both sides of the House since 1974. In June European
Parliamentary elections, Simon Busuttil was reelected with a historical 69,000 votes.
In September 2008, the government welcomed the EU’s adoption of the European Pact on Immigration and Asylum. Malta had long
advocated a common EU immigration policy to help share the responsibility of integrating the influx of migrants it receives each year.
Tensions over immigration flared up again in 2009 after 75 Eritrean migrants died at sea in August due to Malta’s failure to send rescue
vessels. Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini accused Malta of being ill-equipped to handle its vast search and rescue area (SAR), and
urged Malta to either hand over part of its SAR to Italy or take in the asylum seekers that Italy saves within Malta’s jurisdiction.
However, Malta rejected Frattini’s proposals. In March, EU Justice Commissioner Jacques Barrot criticized Malta for the deplorable
conditions of its detention centers, including break-outs, riots, and overcrowding. The state of Maltese detention centers caused the
nongovernmental organization (NGO) Medecins Sans Frontiers to leave Malta in protest that same month. The organization resumed its
work in July after improvements were made, allowing for medical practitioners to work under better conditions. Also in March, Malta
struck an agreement with Libya specifying that both countries would assist one another with search and rescue missions.
Malta is an electoral democracy. Members of the 65-seat unicameral legislature, the House of Representatives, are elected through
proportional representation with a single-transferable-vote (STV) arrangement, allowing voters to rank competing candidates by
preference. The parliament is elected for five-year terms, and lawmakers in turn elect the president, who also serves for five years. The
president names the prime minister, usually the leader of the majority party or coalition. Elections are generally free and fair. After the
2008 elections, four extra seats were added to the parliament, for a total of 69 members, to ensure that the party winning the overall
popular vote obtained a legislative majority.
Click here to read more »
Malta: Home Affairs Ministry misconstrued Amnesty International’s report on refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants in
Libya and Malta
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PUBLIC STATEMENT
22 December 2010
Amnesty International rebuts assertions of the Maltese Ministry for Justice and Home Affairs on 15 December alleging that the
organization published inaccurate and partial information in its report Seeking safety, finding fear: refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants
in Libya and Malta (REG 01/004/2010), published on 14 December.
The report highlights the plight of those attempting to reach the EU through Libya and the Mediterranean Sea, many in search of refuge
and protection.
The Ministry for Justice and Home Affairs was reported in different major national newspapers describing the report as “peppered with
inaccuracies and inconsistencies, which are testimony to AI [Amnesty International]’s customary selective, subjective and warped
evaluation of the challenges that Malta faces with illegal immigration”.
Amnesty International, having greatly appreciated the collaborative approach offered by Maltese authorities in previous months, regrets
that the Ministry’s statement has misconstrued Amnesty International’s report and reiterates its findings and recommendations
addressing EU, Maltese and Libyan authorities.
A delegation of Amnesty International visited Malta in September 2010 and had the opportunity to meet national authorities,
representatives of international organizations, local NGOs, lawyers, asylum-seekers and irregular migrants. The delegation met with
various government representatives, including from the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs and the Armed Forces of Malta, discussed
the rights of refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants trying to reach European shores, and took detailed account of the government’s
position on those issues. This collaborative dialogue has been preceded and followed by an exchange of letters, where concerns and
arguments were explained in detail.
Amnesty International cannot agree with the Ministry’s consideration that the procedure at the Immigration Appeals Board (IAB) is
comparable to court hearings. In particular, the organization is concerned that members of the IAB are nominated by the President on the
advice of the Minister responsible for immigration; that there is no requirement that they be lawyers and/or have a legal background; and
that they do not enjoy security of tenure. As a result, the IAB does not appear to be endowed with the requirements necessary for a truly
judicial body. Moreover, the IAB’s power to order release from custody is limited and not applicable in certain cases.
Click here to read more »
Libya and Malta
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PUBLIC STATEMENT
22 December 2010
Amnesty International rebuts assertions of the Maltese Ministry for Justice and Home Affairs on 15 December alleging that the
organization published inaccurate and partial information in its report Seeking safety, finding fear: refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants
in Libya and Malta (REG 01/004/2010), published on 14 December.
The report highlights the plight of those attempting to reach the EU through Libya and the Mediterranean Sea, many in search of refuge
and protection.
The Ministry for Justice and Home Affairs was reported in different major national newspapers describing the report as “peppered with
inaccuracies and inconsistencies, which are testimony to AI [Amnesty International]’s customary selective, subjective and warped
evaluation of the challenges that Malta faces with illegal immigration”.
Amnesty International, having greatly appreciated the collaborative approach offered by Maltese authorities in previous months, regrets
that the Ministry’s statement has misconstrued Amnesty International’s report and reiterates its findings and recommendations
addressing EU, Maltese and Libyan authorities.
A delegation of Amnesty International visited Malta in September 2010 and had the opportunity to meet national authorities,
representatives of international organizations, local NGOs, lawyers, asylum-seekers and irregular migrants. The delegation met with
various government representatives, including from the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs and the Armed Forces of Malta, discussed
the rights of refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants trying to reach European shores, and took detailed account of the government’s
position on those issues. This collaborative dialogue has been preceded and followed by an exchange of letters, where concerns and
arguments were explained in detail.
Amnesty International cannot agree with the Ministry’s consideration that the procedure at the Immigration Appeals Board (IAB) is
comparable to court hearings. In particular, the organization is concerned that members of the IAB are nominated by the President on the
advice of the Minister responsible for immigration; that there is no requirement that they be lawyers and/or have a legal background; and
that they do not enjoy security of tenure. As a result, the IAB does not appear to be endowed with the requirements necessary for a truly
judicial body. Moreover, the IAB’s power to order release from custody is limited and not applicable in certain cases.
Click here to read more »
European Union
Events of 2009
Malta
20 January 2010
The Maltese government continued to detain asylum seekers and irregular migrants, including unaccompanied children, pregnant women,
and people in poor health, for prolonged periods. Delays in processing asylum claims and lack of access to legal aid persisted. Following
its January 2009 visit to Malta, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded that Malta's detention policy is not in line with
international law and described as appalling conditions in two detention centers. A protest in March by over 500 migrants detained at Safi
barracks ended in violence.
Nine NGOs called on Maltese authorities to address racist violence in Malta after two Somali migrants were attacked in July, leaving one
hospitalized.
Italy and Malta continued to dispute who is responsible for rescuing boat migrants in distress. The death of over 70 African migrants
trying to reach Italy in August sparked widespread criticism of Malta for its failure to rescue migrants stranded at sea. The United
Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights accused the Maltese government of falling short on its international human rights
obligations.
Click here to read more »
Events of 2009
Malta
20 January 2010
The Maltese government continued to detain asylum seekers and irregular migrants, including unaccompanied children, pregnant women,
and people in poor health, for prolonged periods. Delays in processing asylum claims and lack of access to legal aid persisted. Following
its January 2009 visit to Malta, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded that Malta's detention policy is not in line with
international law and described as appalling conditions in two detention centers. A protest in March by over 500 migrants detained at Safi
barracks ended in violence.
Nine NGOs called on Maltese authorities to address racist violence in Malta after two Somali migrants were attacked in July, leaving one
hospitalized.
Italy and Malta continued to dispute who is responsible for rescuing boat migrants in distress. The death of over 70 African migrants
trying to reach Italy in August sparked widespread criticism of Malta for its failure to rescue migrants stranded at sea. The United
Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights accused the Maltese government of falling short on its international human rights
obligations.
Click here to read more »
STATEMENT ВУ ТНЕ HONOURABLE DR. ТОNЮ BORG DEPUTY РЮМЕ MINISTER AND MINISTER оf FOREIGN AFFAIRS
GENERAL DЕВАТЕ
SIXTY-FIFTH SESSION OF ТНЕ UNITED NАТIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
UNITED NАТЮNS- NEW YORK
28111 SEPTEMBER,2010
Мг. President,
During the past twelve months the international community has Ьееп overwhelmed Ьу the global and financial crises. These crises have
Ьееп exacerbated Ьу the тапу humanitarian tragedies around the world. Natural disasters, terrorists attacks, armed violence and internal
conflicts have continued to bring havoc, destruction, loss of life and increased forcible displacement of people worldwide.
Malta, а Еuroреаn соuпtгу but попеthеlеss Меditеггапеап, has throughout these mапу years,апd еvеп when it Ьесате а Мember of this
Огgаnization, exercised its vосаtiоп for а Еuго-Меditеггапеаn fоеigп policy that embraces confidence- апd security-building initiatives
which further епhапсе dialogue апd uпdегstапdiпg in our region. Iпdееd my соuпtгу has Ьееп ргеsепt аt the сгеаtiоп of all the
Mediterranean fora iп existence today. Through its Membership of the Еurореап Union, Malta has сопsоlidаtеd this vосаtiоп iп а mаппег
which promotes ап ever-iпсгеаsiпg linkаgе of the Еuгореап-Меditеггапеап раrtпегshiр.
Today, Malta is host of the Еuгореап Commissiоn-Lеаguе of АгаЬ States Liаisоп Office which has formalized the геlаtiопs Ьеtwееп the
Еurореап Соmmissiоn апd the Агаb World iп а way that it has пеvег dопе before. Iпdееd, Malta, the smallest МетЬег of the Еuгореап
Uпiоп апd опе of the smallest соuпtгiеs iп the Меditеггапеап, has tгаnslаtеd its visiоn of ап iпtегlосutог with а Еurореаn idепtitу апd
with Меditеггапеап characteristics to аct as а political and cultural bridge to our neighbors both to the north апd to the south апd еvеп
bеуопd.
But our commitment to the Меditеггапеап dimепsiоп does поt stop there.
The protection of the human being continues to constitute а top priority for my country. In this regard, we have witnessed during the
past уеаг important developments within the United Nations which will significantly contribute in delivering results for a more just world
as well as putting in practice the system-wide coherence. We note the progress, albeit small but most welcome, оп the discussion оп the
Responsibility to Protect.
Another aspect of human trafficking is the smuggling of human beings. The phenomenon of illegal immigration stoked Ьу the greed and
callous operations of organised criminal groups in the Mediterranean is putting at risk the lives of hundreds of immigrants оп the
threshold of Europe. Malta has become for some years now а country of destination attracting а disproportionate influx of illegal
immigrants and asylum seekers. Malta's need more assistance in providing beneficiaries of international protection with а durable solution
has Ьееп recognised by many. While Malta affirms its commitment tо abide Ьу its international obligations, аt the same time we reiterate
our calls to the international community tо continue to assist us in the resettlement process of these unfortunate people.
Click here to read more »
GENERAL DЕВАТЕ
SIXTY-FIFTH SESSION OF ТНЕ UNITED NАТIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
UNITED NАТЮNS- NEW YORK
28111 SEPTEMBER,2010
Мг. President,
During the past twelve months the international community has Ьееп overwhelmed Ьу the global and financial crises. These crises have
Ьееп exacerbated Ьу the тапу humanitarian tragedies around the world. Natural disasters, terrorists attacks, armed violence and internal
conflicts have continued to bring havoc, destruction, loss of life and increased forcible displacement of people worldwide.
Malta, а Еuroреаn соuпtгу but попеthеlеss Меditеггапеап, has throughout these mапу years,апd еvеп when it Ьесате а Мember of this
Огgаnization, exercised its vосаtiоп for а Еuго-Меditеггапеаn fоеigп policy that embraces confidence- апd security-building initiatives
which further епhапсе dialogue апd uпdегstапdiпg in our region. Iпdееd my соuпtгу has Ьееп ргеsепt аt the сгеаtiоп of all the
Mediterranean fora iп existence today. Through its Membership of the Еurореап Union, Malta has сопsоlidаtеd this vосаtiоп iп а mаппег
which promotes ап ever-iпсгеаsiпg linkаgе of the Еuгореап-Меditеггапеап раrtпегshiр.
Today, Malta is host of the Еuгореап Commissiоn-Lеаguе of АгаЬ States Liаisоп Office which has formalized the геlаtiопs Ьеtwееп the
Еurореап Соmmissiоn апd the Агаb World iп а way that it has пеvег dопе before. Iпdееd, Malta, the smallest МетЬег of the Еuгореап
Uпiоп апd опе of the smallest соuпtгiеs iп the Меditеггапеап, has tгаnslаtеd its visiоn of ап iпtегlосutог with а Еurореаn idепtitу апd
with Меditеггапеап characteristics to аct as а political and cultural bridge to our neighbors both to the north апd to the south апd еvеп
bеуопd.
But our commitment to the Меditеггапеап dimепsiоп does поt stop there.
The protection of the human being continues to constitute а top priority for my country. In this regard, we have witnessed during the
past уеаг important developments within the United Nations which will significantly contribute in delivering results for a more just world
as well as putting in practice the system-wide coherence. We note the progress, albeit small but most welcome, оп the discussion оп the
Responsibility to Protect.
Another aspect of human trafficking is the smuggling of human beings. The phenomenon of illegal immigration stoked Ьу the greed and
callous operations of organised criminal groups in the Mediterranean is putting at risk the lives of hundreds of immigrants оп the
threshold of Europe. Malta has become for some years now а country of destination attracting а disproportionate influx of illegal
immigrants and asylum seekers. Malta's need more assistance in providing beneficiaries of international protection with а durable solution
has Ьееп recognised by many. While Malta affirms its commitment tо abide Ьу its international obligations, аt the same time we reiterate
our calls to the international community tо continue to assist us in the resettlement process of these unfortunate people.
Click here to read more »
Ombudsman report: "Wrong, uncaring and insensitive attitude after baby's death"
(The Malta Independent, 17 November 2010)
The Ombudsman described as “wrong, uncaring and insensitive” the attitude of Mater Dei Hospital staff after the death of a 16-month-
old baby, an Ombudsman report on which was published yesterday.
Investigations revealed that after requesting a post-mortem and a magisterial inquiry in line with standard procedures in circumstances
where the cause of death is unknown, the Health Division withdrew from any further involvement in this case on the grounds that the
matter was sub judice. This meant that in a moment of anguish the much-needed support for the parents was not forthcoming and their
need for clear answers and explanations, and above all counselling, was not met.
The 16-month-old boy was rushed to Mater Dei Hospital by his parents on 24 December, 2008, suffering from croup. He received
treatment at the Emergency Department and was sent back home, only to be found lifeless in his cot three days later.
Seeking the Ombudsman’s intervention, the mother expressed her deep distress at the hospital authorities’ attitude and their consistent
refusal to give a proper account of her son’s medical condition and an explanation of the reasons that led to his untimely death, on the
grounds that this was the subject of a magisterial inquiry. She was perturbed that 10 months after her child passed away, his death
certificate was still incomplete and had not yet been registered.
The complainant was further aggrieved at the contents of the report of the magisterial inquiry that she finally managed to obtain and
raised doubts about some aspects that in her view were incorrect.
The Ombudsman felt it would have been in the interest of the health authorities themselves to set up an internal inquiry alongside the
magisterial inquiry, especially when, only three days before his death, the child had received treatment at the Mater Dei Emergency
Department. According to the Ombudsman it would also have been appropriate to hold such an investigation to establish the facts should
civil court action be instituted for alleged negligence or for any other failure in the treatment and for which the hospital could have been
held responsible.
He shared the views of a former Chief Justice, who was consulted by the health authorities regarding this case, that a magisterial inquiry
is not meant to replace a departmental or other inquiry on the same issue under the Inquiries Act. This former Chief Justice held that the
Health Division should not plead that a case is sub judice and use this as a pretext to refrain from providing information to patients or
their relatives.
Click here to read more »
(The Malta Independent, 17 November 2010)
The Ombudsman described as “wrong, uncaring and insensitive” the attitude of Mater Dei Hospital staff after the death of a 16-month-
old baby, an Ombudsman report on which was published yesterday.
Investigations revealed that after requesting a post-mortem and a magisterial inquiry in line with standard procedures in circumstances
where the cause of death is unknown, the Health Division withdrew from any further involvement in this case on the grounds that the
matter was sub judice. This meant that in a moment of anguish the much-needed support for the parents was not forthcoming and their
need for clear answers and explanations, and above all counselling, was not met.
The 16-month-old boy was rushed to Mater Dei Hospital by his parents on 24 December, 2008, suffering from croup. He received
treatment at the Emergency Department and was sent back home, only to be found lifeless in his cot three days later.
Seeking the Ombudsman’s intervention, the mother expressed her deep distress at the hospital authorities’ attitude and their consistent
refusal to give a proper account of her son’s medical condition and an explanation of the reasons that led to his untimely death, on the
grounds that this was the subject of a magisterial inquiry. She was perturbed that 10 months after her child passed away, his death
certificate was still incomplete and had not yet been registered.
The complainant was further aggrieved at the contents of the report of the magisterial inquiry that she finally managed to obtain and
raised doubts about some aspects that in her view were incorrect.
The Ombudsman felt it would have been in the interest of the health authorities themselves to set up an internal inquiry alongside the
magisterial inquiry, especially when, only three days before his death, the child had received treatment at the Mater Dei Emergency
Department. According to the Ombudsman it would also have been appropriate to hold such an investigation to establish the facts should
civil court action be instituted for alleged negligence or for any other failure in the treatment and for which the hospital could have been
held responsible.
He shared the views of a former Chief Justice, who was consulted by the health authorities regarding this case, that a magisterial inquiry
is not meant to replace a departmental or other inquiry on the same issue under the Inquiries Act. This former Chief Justice held that the
Health Division should not plead that a case is sub judice and use this as a pretext to refrain from providing information to patients or
their relatives.
Click here to read more »
The European Asylum Support Office (EASO) holds its first management board meeting in Valletta (Malta) and selects its
first Executive Director
26/11/2010
Today the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) held its first management board meeting in Valletta (Malta) and selected Mr Rob
Visser as its Executive Director. He will now be invited to appear before the competent Committee of the European Parliament. With the
operational launch of this new agency, the EU makes further progress towards a more comprehensive Common European Asylum
System. The EASO will enhance solidarity among Member States, through practical cooperation on asylum matters, and help them
fulfilling their European and international obligations in this field.
"While I welcome the first management board meeting of the European Asylum Support Office (EASO), it is my pleasure to congratulate
Mr Visser for his selection as the agency's first Executive Director. The EASO will play a crucial role as a centre of expertise on
Member States' asylum systems. It will be able to contribute to better implementation of the asylum legislation by the Commission and
Member States and sharing of best practices," said Cecilia Malmström, Commissioner for Home Affairs. She added: "The success of the
Support Office will make a substantial contribution to a system which is able to provide protection to those in need, in line with the
European humanitarian tradition. I see the EASO as an indispensable tool for implementing a Common European Asylum System
(CEAS), based on solidarity and fairness. The European Council set 2012 as the target for establishing this system and I call on all
Member States and the European Parliament to seek a reasonable compromise on the Asylum package, in order to achieve our objective
within the given deadline".
The EASO will support Member States in their efforts to implement a more consistent and fair asylum policy, for example by helping to
identify good practices, organising training at European level and improving access to accurate information on countries of origin. It will
also provide technical and operational support to Member States facing "particular pressures" (i.e. Member States receiving large
numbers of asylum claims), via the deployment of asylum expert teams, thus contributing to alleviate some of the pressure on their
systems.
The EASO has been set up in the form of a regulatory agency, an independent European body. The Commission and EU Member States
will be represented on its management board (its governing body). It will work closely with the national authorities responsible for
asylum, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Fundamental Rights Agency, FRONTEX, and consult with civil
society. The Executive Director of the EASO will be in charge of the day-to-day management of the agency.
The EASO will focus on three main tasks:
*develop practical cooperation among Member States on asylum, by facilitating exchange of information on countries of origin, by
providing Member States with support for translation and interpretation, training of asylum officials and assisting in the relocation of
recognised refugees.
*support Member States under "particular pressure", in particular through the establishment of an early warning system, coordinating
teams of experts to assist EU countries in managing asylum applications and in putting in place appropriate reception facilities.
*contribute to the implementation of the CEAS by collecting and exchanging information on best practices, drawing up an annual
report on the asylum situation in the EU and adopting technical documents, such as guidelines and operating manuals, on the
implementation of the Union's asylum instruments.
Click here to read more>>
first Executive Director
26/11/2010
Today the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) held its first management board meeting in Valletta (Malta) and selected Mr Rob
Visser as its Executive Director. He will now be invited to appear before the competent Committee of the European Parliament. With the
operational launch of this new agency, the EU makes further progress towards a more comprehensive Common European Asylum
System. The EASO will enhance solidarity among Member States, through practical cooperation on asylum matters, and help them
fulfilling their European and international obligations in this field.
"While I welcome the first management board meeting of the European Asylum Support Office (EASO), it is my pleasure to congratulate
Mr Visser for his selection as the agency's first Executive Director. The EASO will play a crucial role as a centre of expertise on
Member States' asylum systems. It will be able to contribute to better implementation of the asylum legislation by the Commission and
Member States and sharing of best practices," said Cecilia Malmström, Commissioner for Home Affairs. She added: "The success of the
Support Office will make a substantial contribution to a system which is able to provide protection to those in need, in line with the
European humanitarian tradition. I see the EASO as an indispensable tool for implementing a Common European Asylum System
(CEAS), based on solidarity and fairness. The European Council set 2012 as the target for establishing this system and I call on all
Member States and the European Parliament to seek a reasonable compromise on the Asylum package, in order to achieve our objective
within the given deadline".
The EASO will support Member States in their efforts to implement a more consistent and fair asylum policy, for example by helping to
identify good practices, organising training at European level and improving access to accurate information on countries of origin. It will
also provide technical and operational support to Member States facing "particular pressures" (i.e. Member States receiving large
numbers of asylum claims), via the deployment of asylum expert teams, thus contributing to alleviate some of the pressure on their
systems.
The EASO has been set up in the form of a regulatory agency, an independent European body. The Commission and EU Member States
will be represented on its management board (its governing body). It will work closely with the national authorities responsible for
asylum, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Fundamental Rights Agency, FRONTEX, and consult with civil
society. The Executive Director of the EASO will be in charge of the day-to-day management of the agency.
The EASO will focus on three main tasks:
*develop practical cooperation among Member States on asylum, by facilitating exchange of information on countries of origin, by
providing Member States with support for translation and interpretation, training of asylum officials and assisting in the relocation of
recognised refugees.
*support Member States under "particular pressure", in particular through the establishment of an early warning system, coordinating
teams of experts to assist EU countries in managing asylum applications and in putting in place appropriate reception facilities.
*contribute to the implementation of the CEAS by collecting and exchanging information on best practices, drawing up an annual
report on the asylum situation in the EU and adopting technical documents, such as guidelines and operating manuals, on the
implementation of the Union's asylum instruments.
Click here to read more>>
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George Abela
President since 4 April 2009
President since 4 April 2009
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
