Celebrating Ten Years of Institutional Progress Towards an Inclusive Society

Malta’s journey towards a more inclusive society has been powerfully shaped by the Human Rights Directorate (HRD), under the political responsibility of the Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms, Hon. Rebecca Buttigieg, within the Office of the Prime Minister. This year marks a decade since the establishment of the Directorate. Founded in 2015 with a clear mandate to mainstream high-level policy commitments into the daily workings of the Maltese Public Service, the HRD’s evolution over the past ten years stands as a testament to proactive governance and sustainable reform.

One of the HRD’s earliest and most enduring achievements has been its role in closing the divide between legislative intent and practical application. Appreciating that effective governance extends beyond the introduction of new legislation, the HRD has fostered progress by establishing mandates, forums, and governance structures that encourage cooperation across various ministries, enabling them to work together more cohesively.

What began as a small team of four has grown into a robust directorate, now comprising specialised units dedicated to gender mainstreaming, LGBTIQ+ equality, integration and anti-racism, and anti-human trafficking. This expansion reflects a necessary strengthening of technical expertise, ensuring that the entire government is equipped to address complex human rights issues.

A major milestone in the HRD’s history has been its success in breaking down the entrenched “silo” mentality typical of large organisations. By embedding accountability through thematic strategies and National Action Plans, the HRD has ensured that human rights are no longer the exclusive remit of a single entity but a shared responsibility across all sectors of public administration.

A key driver of this transformation has been the establishment of structured mechanisms that ensure human rights considerations are embedded from the outset of policy development. Whether in urban planning, healthcare, or digital infrastructure, these mechanisms prevent equality from being treated as an afterthought. By integrating technical mainstreaming into decision-making processes, equality has become an inherent feature of public service operations. This year, these thematic structures have been streamlined into a single Inter-Ministerial Committee responsible for overseeing the consistent application of human rights principles across all areas of the Public Service. The Directorate has spearheaded a wide range of training programmes, equipping thousands of public officers, from police officers to healthcare professionals, with the expertise required to provide services that go beyond mere non-discrimination and legal adherence. These initiatives ensure that public services are delivered in a manner that is fundamentally just, inclusive, and rooted in the principles of diversity and equality. This forward-thinking approach has ensured that Malta’s Public Service remains efficient, modern, and responsive to the island’s shifting demographics.

In addition to its policy work and technical mainstreaming, the Human Rights Directorate has prioritised public awareness raising as a cornerstone of its approach. Through targeted campaigns, community outreach initiatives, and the development of educational materials, the HRD has actively fostered a broader understanding of human rights issues amongst citizens and public sector employees alike. By promoting open dialogue, challenging stereotypes, and celebrating diversity, these efforts have helped to create a more informed and empathetic society, further reinforcing the Directorate’s mission to embed inclusivity and equality across all aspects of Maltese life.

Looking ahead to the coming decade, the HRD’s mission is clear: to establish systems and frameworks that are not only sustainable but also ensure that equality is embedded as the standard throughout all areas of government. The true legacy will be a Public Service in which the core values of human rights are so thoroughly woven into everyday practice that only minimal central oversight is needed, guaranteeing that Malta’s dedication to rights and inclusion will persist for generations.

The Human Rights Directorate’s achievements over the last ten years have built a strong foundation for Malta’s future. To commemorate this milestone in the Public Service, the Human Rights Directorate has published a book celebrating its decade of progress and impact. With equality and inclusion embedded in public life, Malta’s commitment to human rights will continue to empower and inspire generations to come.