2018 comprised a number of events related to equality and nondiscrimination that saw the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) in the forefront, making the best use of all opportunities to enhance equality in Maltese society. Throughout the fourteen years of operation, progress has been achieved in various spheres making a difference in the lives of victims and potential victims of discrimination thanks to investigations of complaints of alleged discrimination, awareness-raising campaigns, training, research, as well as providing input and contributions to policies and legislation.
This report gives an overview of the work carried out by the NCPE in 2018, provides statistical data on the advancement of equality in Malta in the same year, and outlines the situation as seen to be developing in the coming years.
2018 reaffirmed several positive trends from previous years, such as the increased participation of women in the labour market, cross-sectoral efforts to eliminate all forms of discrimination against LGBTI individuals, stronger legislation to eliminate violence on women and formal strategies for the integration of migrants. It also evidenced the remaining challenges hindering the achievement of equality in practice, such as the persistently low percentage of women in decision-making positions and continued discrimination on the different grounds, including religion/ belief and race/ethnic origin.
The report also highlights NCPE’s engagement with Equinet throughout the year, and highlights in particular the publication of the recommendations on standards for equality bodies.
