Malta
NAP 1
2020-2025
Introduction
This is Malta’s first National Action Plan for the enforcement of UNSCR 1325. Malta’s NAP falls in line with its Development policy and Gender policy and is structured around four pillars: Prevention, Participation, Promotion and Partnership.
General Comments
Prior to the NAP, Malta has been engaged in domestic and international gender work. They have signed and adopted the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA), the Istanbul Convention (2014) and introduced the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Domestic Violence (DV) Act in 2018. Furthermore, in 2017 Malta created their first Council for Women’s Rights and launched the Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence Strategy and Action Plan, which was the first national framework to address victims’ needs legislatively. In 2019 Malta’s female employment rose to 66.1% due to female empowerment and inclusion programmes. In the same year, Malta signed the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (OP-CEDAW), signalling its ongoing commitment to WPS issues. Malta is equally committed to preventing human trafficking through their Anti-Human Trafficking Monitoring Committee set-up in 2011 and the United Nations Blue Heart Campaign.
The NAP will be monitored and evaluated by an oversight committee comprising of representatives from government ministries, academic experts and civil society groups appointed by the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs. Malta has also established its first Ambassador for Women, Peace and Security, H.E. Cecilia Attard Pirotta, representing Malta on all matters concerning WPS.
Key aims/objectives
- Raise awareness for the WPS agenda in all levels of society domestically and internationally using media campaigns and funding research.
- Raise awareness for sexual violence against women, including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), reproductive health and human trafficking. This includes providing adequate support for victims, ensuring access to treatment and health services.
- Increasing access to leadership opportunities, education and training for women and girls.
- Promote the equal representation of women in Civil Service and Government leadership positions. This includes plans to nominate a Maltese advisor on gender issues in human rights.
- Improve and strengthen the connection between WPS and Youth leadership groups to encourage more young active involvement.
- Highlighting the importance of involving men and boys in implementing the WPS agenda as agents and beneficiaries.
Security focus
- Increase awareness training to prevent Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) for officials and police forces working with migrant asylum seekers.
- Prevent human trafficking by raising awareness amongst the general public and increasing training programmes for Immigration Police and civilian immigration officials.
- Supporting the participation of women in the armed forces and diplomatic corps and provide a platform for women to engage with dialogue on peace and conflict issues.
- Encourage the recruitment of women to the Armed forces by researching current barriers and investing in more incentive schemes.
o Organise career workshops and recruitment centres for women whilst adopting a transparent, gender-equal recruitment policy
Statistical Analysis
- Currently, 0/12 uniformed personnel on UN missions are female.
Sources
NAP: http://1325naps.peacewomen.org/index.php/malta/
PK Statistics: https://peacekeeping.un.org/sites/default/files/03-country_and_mission_37_apr2021.pdf
Flag Image: https://pixnio.com/flags-of-the-world/flag-of-malta
