Amnesty International 23 May 2013 Detention for up to 18 months remained mandatory for asylum-seekers and irregular migrants, and safeguards to challenge it were inadequate. Legal protection against hate crimes was extended to LGBTI people. Read the full report here.
US Department of State 19 April 2013 Malta is a constitutional republic and parliamentary democracy. The president is the head of state, appointed by the unicameral parliament (House of Representatives). The president names as prime minister the leader of the party winning a majority of seats in parliamentary elections. General elections held in 2008 were judged free and fair. Security forces reported to civilian authorities. The government’s harsh treatment of detained irregular migrants and asylum seekers from North Africa was the most serious human rights problem during the year, with strongest criticism directed at housing conditions and inadequate government programs Read the full article…
Freedom House 10 April 2013 Malta continued to face challenges related to immigration in 2012, including international criticism for its detention policies and poor conditions in its holding centers for refugees and asylum seekers. The deaths of at least two African immigrants during the year appeared to be linked to racist attitudes. Read full report here.
April 2009 Migrants and asylum seekers endure inhuman conditions in Malta Source: Médecins Sans Frontières Asylum seekers and migrants who arrive in Malta are subjected to confinement in detention centres where appalling living conditions put their mental and physical health at risk. In April 2009, MSF launched the report ‘Not Criminals’, to highlight the unacceptable and inhuman living conditions in the centres and renew its call for immediate improvements to living conditions and detention policies in Malta. Click here for the MSF website for more information and to download the report