Why we need a National Commission for Human Rights and Equality
Human rights are only as strong as the institutions that protect them, writes Rosianne Cutajar
A democracy is measured not only by the rights it recognises but by the institutions it builds to protect them.
Parliament has taken an important step towards strengthening one of the foundations of any democratic society: the protection of human rights.
The bill establishing Malta’s National Commission for Human Rights and Equality is about much more than creating a new institution. It is about turning our commitment to human rights and equality into lasting protections that people can rely on.
Almost 80 years ago, in the aftermath of World War II, the international community adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Having witnessed the devastating consequences of hatred, persecution and discrimination, the world came together around a simple but powerful principle: all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
Those words became the foundation of modern human rights protection. They inspired constitutions, international conventions and national laws across the world, including Malta’s own democratic development. They also affirmed an important truth: protecting human dignity is not a choice. It is a responsibility.
History has taught us that rights cannot depend on good intentions alone. They require strong institutions capable of defending them.
That is why, in 1993, the United Nations adopted the Paris Principles, establishing the international benchmark for national human rights institutions. They recognise that every democracy should have an independent body with the authority, expertise and public confidence to promote human rights, advance equality and provide accountability when these values are at risk.
This bill reflects Malta’s commitment to meeting that international responsibility.
Malta is taking a distinctive step within the European Union by bringing together human rights and equality functions under one independent institution. This will create a more coordinated, accessible and effective framework for safeguarding people’s rights.
History has taught us that rights cannot depend on good intentions alone- Rosianne Cutajar
The establishment of the National Commission for Human Rights and Equality is not an admission that Malta has failed. It is a recognition that successful democracies do not stand still. They strengthen the institutions that protect their citizens because they understand that progress must always be safeguarded.
Over the past decade, Malta has made significant advances in equality and civil rights. We should be proud of the reforms that have been introduced and of the international recognition our country has received.
Progress is never permanent. It must be protected, strengthened and adapted to new challenges.
Discrimination today does not always take the same forms it did in previous generations. It can happen in the workplace, when accessing services, in education or online. It can be obvious and deliberate but it can also be subtle and difficult to identify. It can affect people because of one characteristic or because different aspects of a person’s identity combine to create particular barriers.
Our institutions and laws must be capable of responding to these realities.
The National Commission for Human Rights and Equality will strengthen protections for victims of discrimination, provide a stronger framework for investigating complaints, promote awareness and encourage solutions before problems become more deeply rooted.
Most importantly, it will ensure that equality and human rights are not simply principles we express but protections that people can rely on.
Good governance is about more than responding to today’s challenges. It is about preparing for tomorrow’s, building institutions that endure beyond any one government and continue serving citizens regardless of political circumstances.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights established a universal principle. The Paris Principles provided the framework for protecting it. Through this bill, Malta is taking another important step to ensure that both are reflected in the institutions of our democracy.
Rights deserve more than words. They deserve action. They deserve institutions. They deserve protection.
Rosianne Cutajar is Minister for Equality and Civil Rights.