Appeal Archives - Page 3 of 16

LGBTIQ+ NGOs Call on Maltese Government and Maltese MEPs to Support Transgender Rights in Slovakia

The Malta LGBTIQ Rights Movement (MGRM) alongside Allied Rainbow Communities, Drachma, LGBTI+ Gozo, Aditus, Checkpoint Malta, Moviment Graffitti and MMSA gathered in front of The Honorary Consulate of The Slovak Republic in Valletta on Thursday 4th May 2023 to show solidarity with the transgender community in Slovakia and to express concern about the proposed bill that would make legal gender recognition impossible in Slovakia. MGRM co-coordinator Cynthia Chircop spoke out against the bill, which would require transgender individuals to undergo a genetic test to prove that their gender was incorrectly determined at birth, a test that would be virtually impossible for most transgender individuals to pass. We therefore call on Maltese Government and Maltese MEPs to Support Transgender Rights in Slovakia.

Chircop emphasised that the proposed bill would not only deprive transgender people of the opportunity to have their gender identity recognized legally but also goes against the right to self-determination and international human rights law. “The intention of this law is clear; to dehumanise, oppress and erase the transgender community,” said Chircop. “It will increase the risk of bullying, discrimination and violence that they already face. Everyone should be treated equally in front of the law, regardless of their gender identity.”

Undocumented and forgotten: Milos’ struggle for residence after his marriage broke down

“Serbian national Milos Petric has shared his heartbreaking story which has seen him end up undocumented and at risk of losing contact with his 3 Maltese children after his marriage broke down.

Milos first arrived in Malta in 2010, and has lived here permanently since 2012. When he returned to Malta in 2012, he met a Maltese woman who he would go on and marry. The two have three children all under the age of 10.

Speaking to this newsroom, Milos explained how his marriage eventually broke down and they obtained a separation in December 2021. Since then, he’s been trying to secure what is known as a ‘Zambrano permit’ which would allow him to remain in Malta based on the fact that he has Maltese children even though he is no longer married to a Maltese national.”

We will do all we can for Milos to enjoy his rights and his family. Read his full story here.

From newsbook.com.mt

Malta must give answers on Loujin’s death

Malta Refugee Council demands and official inquiry into the death of a young girl

At the end of August, Loujin, a four-year old Syrian girl, boarded a wooden fishing vessel on Lebanon’s coast with her mother and one year old sister, Mira, and set out across the sea with over sixty other people from Syria, Palestine and Lebanon.
Running out of basic provisions and taking on water, they began sending out distress signals on 2 September, 2022. Those distress signals were immediately relayed to the Maltese authorities.
Joint Press Statement on the vigil for Loujin held on 16 September 2022

Publicly available information on Loujin’s tragic death is conflicting. One version claims Malta was alerted to the distress situation on 3 September and that no concrete action was taken to secure the lives of the persons aboard the fishing boat. Another version claims that Malta was informed on 6 September and every step was taken to protect all lives, including that of Loujin.

The version everyone must agree on is that Loujin did not survive the ordeal, dying of thirst in her mother’s arms.

We’ve endorsed this statement by Checkpoint Malta: PEP Stock Issues

We find ourselves extremely troubled over a series of recent cases that were reported to us, which have, in turn, forced us to issue this statement.

For those of you who are not aware, PEP or (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a medicine given to prevent HIV after a possible exposure. This medication is to be taken right away and is only effective for a 72-hour window. It is a vital medicine.

This medicine used to be stocked at the Mater Dei Pharmacy for use by the Accident and Emergency Department at Mater Dei and would be given to patients who desired it at a cost. However, it has recently come to our attention that Mater Dei Pharmacy is no longer stocking it – this is extremely worrying, to say the least.

Vigil in remembrance of dead prisoners

NGOs, academics ask for the reinstatement of access to corradino

On Saturday 14 November we participated in a vigil in remembrance of the prisoners who lost their lives at Corradino Correctional Facility (CCF). Our Director delivered a brief speech, emphasising the need for truth and justice in order to clarify who caused or prevented the deaths.

“The reign of terror instituted by former prison director Alex Dalli is a clear factor leading to this loss of life,” the group said. “His resignation, and far less his self-suspension, will not bring these victims back,” the groups stated.

“We remain in the dark about the facts which led to these deaths, despite the internal inquiries that have been launched. Colonel Dalli had also restricted access to journalists and activists, turning Corradino into his own fortress.
Without access to Corradino, it became easier for Dalli to run the prisons without any oversight whatsoever.”

Activists are also asking new prison director Robert Brincau to reinstate access to the prisons to both NGOs and media. “Not only will this serve to make the prison administration more transparent, but it would mark a clear departure from Dalli’s horrific methods.”

The coalition of NGOs has also called for a safe and humane environment for prisoners. “We want to see a prison that truly rehabilitates people, not tortures them. Above all, we want to see an end to the system of abuse that was created under Dalli, and prevent any further deaths.”

The groups also noted the start of an inquiry by the independent Ombudsman, and expects Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri to shoulder political responsibility for the findings of this report. “Besides the inquiry led by handpicked personnel, Minister Camilleri should also consider the results of an independent inquiry which the Ombudsman is holding out of his own initiative, following numerous reports of maladministration.”

This event is endorsed by: