Marika Fsadni and Dr Maria Pisani, National Commission for the Promotion of Equality, I am not racist but… Immigrant and Ethnic Minority Groups and Housing in Malta, 2012

Country

Malta

Title

Marika Fsadni and Dr Maria Pisani, National Commission for the Promotion of Equality, I am not racist but… Immigrant and Ethnic Minority Groups and Housing in Malta, 2012

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Year

2012

Type of publication

Study - qualitative research

Geographical coverage

National

Area/location of interest

Not applicable - national level

Type of Institution

National human rights body

Institution

Malta, National Commission for the Promotion of Equality

Main Thematic Focus

Discrimination Racism & xenophobia Public perceptions & attitudes

Target Population

People of African descent & Black Europeans

Key findings

The study aims to develop a real understanding of the situation of immigrants's accomodation in Malta but also to measure the perception, the level of awarareness and acceptance of racial equality and diversity. The key findings may be summarised as the folowing:

- the study mentions numerous illustrations of direct and indirect discrimination. "Black", African, "Arab", "Muslim" as refered by the population, face disproportionate levels of discrimination in accessing housing.
- the widespread racism grounded in stereotypical beliefs have a direct impact on migrants and the experience of housing discrimination.
- a racist discourse and practices are normalised which leads to a culture of impunity.
- real estate agents play a central role in producing and sustaining housing discrimination in Malta.
- there is a fear of renting/subletting to African nationals or Arabs by property owners since the presence of certain ethnics minorities in neighborhoods is perceived as lowering property prices.
- migrants are usually not aware of their rights or ways to seek remedies. They mainly lack of trust in the authorities.

Methodology (Qualitative/Quantitative and exact type used, questionnaires etc)

Recent international and national litterature as well as official international and national surveys related to the topic were reviewed. Personal interviews with keys stakeholders, property owners, developers or real estate agents and migrants living in Malta were held. Situation testing exercices were conducted with migrants targeting property owners via telephone or email.

Sample details and representativeness

Personal interviews were conducted with 5 key stakeholders, 30 property owners or real estate agents and with 50 migrants living in Malta. 30 testing exercices were conducted.

DISCLAIMERThe information presented here is collected under contract by the FRA's research network FRANET. The information and views contained do not necessarily reflect the views or the official position of the FRA.