Joint Civil Society Statement
We are shocked and saddened beyond words by the confirmation that the drive-by shooting on April 6th which left Lassana Cisse dead and two other men seriously injured was an act of racial hatred.
That the two men suspected of committing this heinous crime are members of the Armed Forces of Malta – a state institution that is there to protect us – makes it even more reprehensible.
It would be tempting to disassociate ourselves from this crime, to dismiss it as a random act, perpetrated by one or two deranged individuals. But we know that it is not, because we daily come in contact with people who are treated as less than human, by individuals and institutions, because of their religion or the colour of their skin.
For too long we have ignored the daily experiences of the migrants in our midst and clung to the myth that racist incidents are isolated, and rare, occurrences in Malta. For too long we have accepted without comment, much less condemnation, intolerant views, derogatory comments and inflammatory speeches.
This act, which has exposed the ugly reality of racism in our midst, should serve as a wake-up call, a stark reminder of just how destructive racism can be if it is left to fester, unacknowledged and unaddressed.
While the work of the police to bring the perpetrators to justice is commendable, we need to do far more if we want to overcome racism and intolerance and promote an inclusive society where all are perceived as truly equal, and where all are respected and protected.
In the wake of yesterday’s announcement, we call upon the government and all politicians to go beyond one-time condemnation of this act of violence, and to commit to taking concrete action against all forms of racism and intolerance. Although changes in people’s minds and hearts cannot be achieved only by changing the law or by political statements, we have seen that clear, strong and consistent political leadership can make a real difference in the way minorities in our midst are treated.
In the wake of this horrific crime we urge the authorities to show the determination required to fight racism and discrimination and to promote the dignity of all, regardless of real or perceived differences. Because until racism is addressed with the seriousness it deserves, and every single case is duly reported and investigated, Malta will never be a safe country for all.
We also call on each and every individual to stand against racism and to work for a society which is truly inclusive and just. Our action, and our inaction, make a difference. This is not about others, it is about us – about the kind of country we want to live in. We owe it to Lassana and others who have been and continue to be victims of racist crimes, to ourselves and to our children, to take racism seriously. Let us not be remembered for our inability to learn from the lessons of history, for our silence in the face of hatred and intolerance, for our unwillingness to take a stand in favour of human dignity.
This statement is endorsed by:
- aditus foundation
- African Media Association
- agara Foundation
- Allied Rainbow Communities
- Art for Life
- Association for Justice, Equality and Peace
- Blue Door English
- Caritas Malta
- Catholic Voices
- Church Homes for the Elderly
- CLC Malta
- Creative Arts Therapies Society (CATS) Malta
- Cross Culture International Foundation
- Cross Culture International Foundation
- Dar Hosea
- Dar tal-Providenza
- Department for Gender Studies (University of Malta)
- Department for Inclusion and Access to Learning (University of Malta)
- Department of Counselling (University of Malta)
- Department of Family Studies (University of Malta)
- Department of Social Policy and Social Work (University of Malta)
- Drachma LGBTI
- Drachma Parents Group
- Fondazzjoni Sebh
- Foundation for Shelter and Support to Migrants
- Hal Far Outreach
- Integra Foundation
- International Association for Refugees
- Isles of the Left
- Jesuit Refugee Service Malta
- Kopin
- Kummissjoni Gustizzja u Paci
- Life Network Foundation
- Malta Chamber of Psychologists
- Malta Emigrants Commission
- Maltese Association of Social Workers (MASW)
- Men Against Violence
- Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS)
- Migrant Women’s Association Malta
- Millenium Chapel
- Moviment Graffitti
- Office of the Dean, Faculty for Social Wellbeing (University of Malta)
- Office of the Dean, Faculty of Education (University of Malta)
- Paolo Freire Institute
- Peace and Good Foundation
- People for Change Foundation
- Richmond Foundation
- Salesians of Don Bosco
- Segretarjat Assistenza Socjali tal-Azzjoni Kattolika Maltija
- Segretarjat Djakonija tal-Arcidjocesi ta’ Malta
- Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in Malta
- Society of St Vincent de Paule Malta (SSVP)
- Solidarity with Migrants Group
- SOS Malta
- Spark 15
- St Jean Antide Foundation
- Studenti Harsien Socjali (SHS)
- Sudanese Migrants Association
- The Critical Institute
- University of Malta Chaplaincy
- Victim Support Malta
- Women’s Rights Foundation
- YMCA
- Youth Alive Foundation
- Dione Mifsud, Department of Counselling (University of Malta)
- John Berry, Faculty of Theology (University of Malta)
- Sr Rita Mangion