The Council of Europe has commended Malta for its continuing efforts to foster diversity, promote equality and strengthen the integration of everyone in society, while also identifying key areas where further action is needed to ensure full and effective protection against discrimination.
In its just published sixth opinion on Malta the Council of Europe's advisory committee on the Framework Convention for the protection of national minorities highlights Malta's rapid demographic evolution over the past decade, marked by growing cultural and religious diversity. The advisory committee welcomes the launch of Malta's Integration strategy and action plan (2025-30) as a major step towards deepening inclusion and reinforcing community cohesion. It also praises the work carried out by the International learners' directorate and other educational initiatives that help children from migrant backgrounds integrate successfully in schools.
Training for legal profession recommended
Other advances have also been noted including the implementation of the Anti-Racism Strategy 2021-2023, ongoing training for public officials on cultural competence, and cooperation between the National Commission for the promotion of equality and the media to combat stereotypes and promote intercultural understanding.
At the same time, the advisory committee observes that Malta's progress could be consolidated by ensuring that everyone who might benefit from the Framework Convention is aware of his or her rights, by improving data collection in its censuses, by enhancing institutional independence of its equality body and national human-rights institution, and by strengthening pre- and in-service training for judges, prosecutors, investigators and other members of the legal profession to address discrimination effectively.
The Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities is Europe's most comprehensive treaty protecting the rights of persons belonging to national minorities. It is the first legally binding multilateral instrument devoted to the protection of national minorities worldwide, and its implementation is monitored by an Advisory Committee composed of independent experts. The treaty entered into force on 1 February 1998 and is now in force in 38 states.
The Framework Convention for the protection of national minorities
The Framework Convention for the protection of national minorities and Malta
