Human rights NGOs appeal to political parties to respect human rights

The Aditus foundation has published an open letter to all political parties, appealing for human rights to be respected.

The foundation is a human rights non-governmental organisation with the mission to monitor and report and act on the level of access to human rights by individuals and groups in

"As the nation is preparing itself for the national election, and discussions are being held on the direction Malta could take in the coming years, we are keen to add our voice and bring a number of themes to your and the public's attention, Neil Falzon, the foundation's director said.

"We urge you to engage in efforts to mainstream human rights principles throughout all laws, policies and practices. Whilst is it undisputable that access to effective remedies is a core element in any national human rights system, protection mechanisms in Malta seem to be fragmented", Falzon said.

"To foster a society that is made up of active, informed and respectful individuals, added efforts are needed to identify and confront situations that systematically abuse, exploit or exclude certain persons."

The foundation highlighted certain vulnerable members of society needing protection, among them transgender persons, persons with mental illnesses and persons with disabilities, among others.