Malta Launches First National Strategy To Combat Human Trafficking
Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms Rebecca Buttigieg launched Malta’s first national strategy against human trafficking.
Announced during a news conference, this comprehensive strategy was developed in close collaboration with experts from the Council of Europe and the European Union, and is co-financed by European funds.
Buttigieg outlined that the strategy, along with the accompanying action plan, rests on five key pillars aimed at strengthening the fight against human trafficking, preventing its occurrence, and providing support for victims.
Over the past three years, the Directorate of Human Rights within the Parliamentary Secretariat has spearheaded numerous capacity-building initiatives. These include training programs for public officials and awareness campaigns designed to educate the public on combating human trafficking.
Buttigieg highlighted that around 50 individuals have been identified as victims of human trafficking in Malta over the past five years, including three Maltese nationals. The most prevalent cases in Malta involve trafficking for prostitution and labour market exploitation.
The Parliamentary Secretary referenced a significant legal amendment in 2018 which increased the minimum penalties for human trafficking from four to six years in prison. Recent court judgments have already begun to reflect these stricter penalties to stress the government’s commitment.
Looking ahead, Buttigieg emphasised that the government’s resolve to fight human trafficking will only strengthen with the new strategy. Legislative and administrative measures will be implemented over the next seven years.
An inter-ministerial committee has been established to oversee the necessary actions, ensuring Malta adopts best practices in both prosecuting traffickers and providing vital support to victims.
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