Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 17th Session
Universal Periodic Review of Malta
30 October 2013
Australia commends Malta for its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. We welcome recent legislative steps taken by Malta to overcome discrimination and hate crimes based on gender identity and sexual orientation. We particularly welcome the extension of the mandate of the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality to include discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Australia recommends Malta continues to strengthen its legislative and institutional framework to enhance the rights of LGBTI people.
Australia notes that women represent a growing proportion of the workforce and welcomes their increasing representation at the highest level of government. Australia recommends Malta take further steps to reduce gender-based discrimination in the workforce.
Australia acknowledges that, because of its geographic position, Malta faces an increasing amount of irregular migration. This presents challenges to the integrity of Malta’s borders and to the effective management of the movement of people to and from Malta. Australia encourages Malta to continue to address the challenges posed by irregular migration.