Project to develop ‘culture of rights’ in public administration

The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality is initiating a plan of action to include research, internal and external training as well as awareness raising on developing a culture of rights.

The project is being carried out in partnership with two other equality bodies from the UK and Austria, together with the Centre for Development, Research and Training (CDRT), the General Workers' Union (GWU), Union Haddiema Maghqudin (UHM) and Department for Local Government (DLG).

The work is aimed at developing a culture of rights by targeting the critical mass within public administration, local councils, NGOs and social partners.

Since its inception, the NCPE monitored the law with regard to discrimination on grounds of gender and family responsibilities in employment, education or vocational training and financial services.

But amendments to the legislation in 2012 expanded the commission's remit to cover grounds of sexual orientation, age, religion or belief, racial or ethnic origin and gender identity in employment, education and financial services.

One of the core aspects of the project is to facilitate and accelerate the effective implementation of this progress in the national equality legislation, NCPE executive director Romina Bartolo.

Two research studies seeking methods and tools to reach out to target groups and to outline various working processes in order to implement the respective EU and national obligations.

NCPE's Commissioner Renee Laiviera, stressed the continuous importance of fostering a culture of rights within institutions, among individuals and in society at large.

Laiviera reiterated that the project would facilitate the development of this culture of rights through empowerment and practical training.