ECRI (2018), Report on Malta (fifth monitoring cycle), Strasbourg, Council of Europe.
Country
Malta
Title
Year
Type of publication
Geographical coverage
National
Area/location of interest
Type of Institution
Council of Europe body
Institution
Main Thematic Focus
Racism & xenophobia Discrimination Hate crime Hate speech
Target Population
Muslims Migrants Ethnic minorities People of African descent & Black Europeans
Key findings
ECRI recognised progress made by Malta by the ratification of Protocol 12 to the ECHR in December 2015; the NCPE’s advances to be in line with ECRI general recommendations; and the implementation of the agreement with the OSCE-ODIHR to implement the TAHCLE training, and the adoption of the National Migrant Integration Strategy. ECRI acknowledges Malta’s “impressive work” on the advancements LGBT rights. It, however, raises concerns regarding various aspects relating to hate speech and hate crime especially when xenophobic discourse towards foreigners and especially migrants is increasing. The report notes instances of hate speech towards Muslims specifically, acknowledging that there is a "fear of Muslim invasion" ever present in the country. In addition, the ECRI report states that "Islamophobia is prevalent in Maltese society in general. It is experienced not only by migrants of North African or Middle Eastern descent and Sub-Saharan Africans, but also by Maltese Muslims, who note that the terms “Arab”, “Muslim”, “North African” and “immigrant” are often used synonymously and are generally framed in a negative light".
Methodology (Qualitative/Quantitative and exact type used, questionnaires etc)
The working methods for the preparation of the reports involve documentary analyses, a visit to the country concerned, and then a confidential dialogue with the national authorities.
Sample details and representativeness
ECRI’s reports are analyses based on a great deal of information gathered from a wide variety of sources.