Leading by Example: Malta’s Commitment to Anti-Racism Governance

SERIES: ANTI RACISM STRATEGY MALTA

Action Plan 2: Ownership of anti-racism governance 

Malta is embedding anti-racism across all levels of government, ensuring accountability, inclusive policymaking, and stronger collaboration with civil society and political actors

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What is action 2 about?

Eradicating racism cannot be treated as a side project or the responsibility of a single department; it requires a unified commitment from the very top. Building on the foundation laid by Malta's first National Action Plan Against Racism, Action 2 adopts a mainstreaming approach. Its objective is clear: to ensure whole-of-government ownership and a zero-tolerance stance toward both explicit and implicit actions that foster racial attitudes.

To embed these principles into the DNA of public administration, the plan outlines five key measures:  

1. Establishing Anti-Racism Working Groups  

To ensure ongoing dialogue and accountability, the government will establish dedicated Anti-Racism Working Groups across ministries and entities. Meeting on a biannual basis, these groups will oversee the integration of the Anti-Racism Policymaking Tool into current and future legislation and services. Where appropriate, meetings may also include representatives from civil society and youth advisory forums, helping to ground policy decisions in lived realities and by identified needs on the ground.

2. Sustaining Intra-Ministerial Action Plans  

Effective governance requires sustained commitment. Under the guidance of the Human Rights Directorate (HRD), ministries will continue to implement their respective intra-ministerial anti-racism action plans. This measure ensures that the collaborative frameworks and  initiatives developed through the working groups translate into long, sector-specific actions across all government bodies.    

3. Making Policies Accessible to the Public  

Policies are only effective if people are aware of them… To empower both service providers and service users, the government will prioritise improved access to information on anti-racism policies and priorities. Through targeted awareness-raising campaigns and individual service interactions, the public will be equipped with essential information on anti-racism legislation.    

4. A New Standard for Political Campaigning  

Political discourse plays a powerful role in shaping societal attitudes. In a proactive step towards more inclusive public debate, the plan will pilot a code of conduct specifically designed for election candidates. This code will provide practical guidance on inclusive and diversity conscious campaigning practices. Political parties will be strongly encouraged to adopt the code and actively implement measures to prevent discriminatory rhetoric within their ranks.

5. Elevating Civil Society Voices  

The fight against racism cannot be waged behind closed doors; meaningful collaboration with civil society is essential. The Integration and Anti-Racism Consultative Council will act as a key interlocutor, directly engaging with civil society organisations on the implementation of the National Action Plan. The government remains committed to maintaining active dialogue with the platforms, networks and individuals who work tirelessly to combat racism on the front lines.

Through this action, Malta is ensuring that anti-racism is not merely articulated in policy documents but becomes a lived and operational reality within government structures. By strengthening accountability across ministries, setting clear expectations for political leadership, and keeping civil society firmly engaged, Malta is actively shaping a governance framework that represents and protects all members of its society.

Source:

https://humanrights.gov.mt/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/NAPAR-2025-2030.pdf