Naming the Unacceptable: Confronting Specific Forms of Racism in Malta

SERIES: ANTI RACISM STRATEGY MALTA

Action Plan 7: Specific forms of racism and intersectionality 

Malta’s anti-racism plan targets specific forms of discrimination by introducing tailored measures to combat anti-Muslim hatred, antisemitism, anti-Black racism, and other intersecting prejudices.

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What is Action 7 about?

To effectively combat discrimination, a society must acknowledge the unique ways it manifests against different communities. Action 7 adopts a targeted approach, outlining zero-tolerance policies designed to protect groups that have historically, and continue to, distinct forms of prejudice.

Zero Tolerance to Anti-Muslim Hatred  

The plan emphasises that while democratic debate about religion has a place in society, it must never translate into hatred towards Muslims. To combat anti-Muslim sentiment, the government commits to recognising the valuable contributions Muslims make to Maltese society and the economy. Furthermore, the plan mandates active engagement with Muslim communities on integration related issues. It also requires the inclusion of specific training on zero tolerance for anti-Muslim hatred within the broader Anti-Rumour Action Plan and other awareness-raising initiatives.

Zero Tolerance to Antisemitism  

Malta has taken a firm stance against antisemitism, highlighted by its move in June 2024 to join the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) as an Observer Country. Building on this commitment, the action plan includes the adoption and dissemination of the non-legally binding IHRA working definition of antisemitism through education and training initiatives. 

The government will also develop and strengthen relationships with key Jewish stakeholders across Malta and Gozo. In addition, zero tolerance to antisemitism will be explicitly addressed in national training programmes and within the Anti-Rumour Action Plan.

Zero Tolerance to Racism Against People of African Descent  

People of African descent frequently face unfair treatment, bias, and harassment in their daily lives. As many incidents go unreported, victims are frequently denied the legal support they deserve from the institutions meant to protect them. To address this systemic issue, the plan aims to challenge the dehumanizing portrayals of Blackness in Malta. It also emphasises the importance of investing in research to gather data on racial discrimination, recognising that without data, these experiences remain invisible. 

Finally, the government will build and strengthen direct links with Black Maltese individuals, migrants, and their communities to ensure their voices inform and shape the response.

Zero Tolerance to Prejudice Against Roma  

Although there is currently no known established Roma community in Malta, the government acknowledges anecdotal evidence of antigypsyism in public discourse. With a focus on prevention, the plan includes continued participation at the international level to build the knowledge and capacity needed to address these issues effectively. It alsocalls for inclusion of specific information about  Roma communities in training and awareness campaigns, with the aim of preventing prejudice from taking root.

Through this action, Malta is naming the specific prejudices that threaten social cohesion.

The National Action Plan Against Racism can be found here