Uncovering the Truth: The Role of Research in Malta’s Anti-Racism Plan

SERIES: ANTI RACISM STRATEGY MALTA

Action Plan 8: Intersectional issues 

Malta is addressing intersecting forms of discrimination by aligning anti-racism efforts with strategies on gender equality, LGBTIQ+ rights, youth and disability with the aim of better protecting vulnerable communities.

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What is Action 8 about?

Individuals and groups who experience racism often face it across multiple, intersecting grounds, compounds the discrimination they endure. To effectively respond to these complex realities, Action 8 commits to strengthening collaboration with other national equality strategies.

1. Supporting LGBTIQ+ Communities  
   

The plan explicitly acknowledges the multiple forms of discrimination experienced by LGBTIQ+ individuals. To promote genuine inclusion and tackle inequality, the government will align its efforts with the LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy and Action Plan 2023-2027, with particular attention to the measure supporting LGBTIQ+ migrants and asylum seekers.

2. Protecting Black and Minoritized Women  

The strategy recognises that many women face compounded barriers linked to their racial background, ethnicity, culture, religion, socioeconomic status, or disability. In coordination with the Gender Equality and Mainstreaming Strategy, the plan aims to include Black and minoritised women in strategic partnerships and provide upskilling programs to support vulnerable women in remaining active in the labour market. 

The government also commits to addressing  the disproportionate impact of systemic racism on these women.  This includes supporting those affected by harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and virginity testing, as well as providing specialised training for professionals working in health and social services.

3. Empowering Children and Youth  

Recognising that racism can significantly affect the wellbeing and future prospects of children and young people, the plan introduces targeted awareness-raising initiatives. The government will collaborate with the Children Advisory Council, create safe spaces among young people, and equip youth workers with the skills to support those who have experienced racism. 

Within the education system, the plan includes collaborations with the International Learners' Directorate and enhanced training for educators and school leadership teams. Key measures include promoting whole-school approaches to anti-racism, continuing cultural awareness initiatives, and reviewing anti-bullying policies to ensure they adequately address all forms of racism.

Additionally, the government aims to encourage meaningly conversation about anti-racism through the universal appeal of sport.

4. Ensuring Accessibility and Victim Support  

The action plan also recognises that racism can have a heightened impact on individuals from minoritised communities who also live with disabilities. To promote inclusivity, the Human Rights Directorate is committed to ensuring that all materials, sessions, conferences, and events related to the action plan are fully accessible. 

In parallel, the government will work closely with the Victim Support Agency to promote the National Victim Support Helpline, ensuring that victims of racism have clear, accessible pathways to support services they need.

The National Action Plan Against Racism can be found here