Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability - CRPD
Overview:
The Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD) is committed to rendering Maltese society an inclusive one, in a way that persons with disability reach their full potential in all aspects of life, enjoying a high quality of life thanks to equal opportunities. In fulfilling this mission, CRPD works in order to eliminate any form of direct or indirect social discrimination against persons with disability and their families while providing them with the necessary assistance and support.
Brief history
The Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability, previously known as the National Commission Persons with Disability (Kummissjoni Nazzjonali Persuni b’Dizabilitá), was founded on the 3rd of November 1987, when the then Minister of Social Policy, the Hon. Dr Louis Galea, had made a parliamentary statement announcing that he had appointed the first KNPD members.
On the 10th of February 2000, KNPD was officially founded, this time in accordance with Act No. 1 of the year 2000, the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act. Amendments to the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act (Bill 115) were proposed in the year 2015 and the bill was enacted in 2016. These amendments continued to strengthen this Act and are available on the following link:
Bill 115 -Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) (Amendment No 2) Bill –http://www.parlament.mt/billdetails?bid=539&legcat=13
With these new amendments, the new name of the Commission has been changed to the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD).
In 2021, the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act was further amended. CRPD has a wide variety of roles which are described in detail in the Act. The law empowers CRPD to investigate complaints it receives about breach of rights arising from discrimination, the enforcement of such rights as well as to promote, protect and monitor the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability and to monitor Guardianship Order.
The Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act, Chapter 413 of the Laws of Malta is available here: https://legislation.mt/eli/cap/413/eng/pdf
Mandate Type
Combined tribunal-type and promotion-type
Litigation power:
- Representing in front of courts
- Bringing proceedings in own name
Activities
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities aimed at supporting vulnerable groups ( e.g. through trainings ) | |||||||||||
| Activities aimed at supporting duty bearers such as employers and service providers (e.g. through trainings, guidance material, practical support, etc.) | |||||||||||
| Communication activities (e.g. awareness raising campaigns) | |||||||||||
| Recommendations on discrimination issues | |||||||||||
| Publications and reports | |||||||||||
| Research projects (including surveys) |
Our institution has a mandate to deal with:
- UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
- Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act 2000
Other statistics:
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of inquiries handled per year (all contact even if not resulting in a formal complaint) | |||||||||||
| Number of cases handled per year (case files opened and processed according to your procedures) | 244 | 259 | 274 | 341 | 351 | 327 | 424 | 522 | 629 | 475 | |
| Number of media appearances per year (major newspapers/magazines/websites/blogs, TV + radio channels) - does not include social media |
Management
- Single headed equality body (led by director or ombudsman/commissioner)
Management details
The Commissioner leads the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD) and is appointed by the Prime Minister. The Council for the Rights of Persons with Disability of the commission is composed of not less than 14 members. This includes 9 members representing voluntary organisations, 1 member from the University of Malta, 1 member representing service providers, 1 member representing residential homes for disabled people. There is also 1 member appointed by the Government and 1 member representing the Opposition party.
Additional details
CRPD forms part of the Ministry for Inclusion, Voluntary Organisations, and Consumer Rights.
Procedure for nomination and appointment of management and board
Members of the Council are appointed by the Ministry for Inclusion, Voluntary Organisations, and Consumer Rights. At least one half of the members shall be persons with disability or family members of persons with disability who cannot represent themselves. The Commissioner, who shall also be a disabled person, is appointed by the Prime Minister.
Number of staff dealing with equality issues
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Grounds and fields of discrimination covered by the equality body
| Grounds / Fields | Employment | Education | Housing | Social Protection & Healthcare | Goods and Services | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gender | ||||||
| Gender Identity | ||||||
| Race and Ethnic Origin | ||||||
| Age | ||||||
| Disability | ||||||
| Sexual Orientation | ||||||
| Religion & Belief |
Mandate covers:
- Public sector
- Private sector
Operating budget in euros
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 652000 | 713000 | 780000 | 800000 | 800000 | 920000 | 970000 | 1070000 | 1120000 | 1240000 |
Operating budget in euros for the parts of the organisation dealing with equality issues (all types of functions)
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500000 | 563000 | 630000 | 650000 | 650000 | 770000 | 820000 | 830000 | 840000 | 850000 |
We are accountable to
- National Ministry
Full name in English
Commission for the Rights of Persons with DisabilityFull name in the national language(s):
Kummissjoni ghad-Drittijiet ta’ Persuni b’DizabilitaPostal address
Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability
G5 Offices
Salvu Psaila Street
Birkirkara
BKR9077