Publications and Research

The People for Change Foundation places a lot of importance on research as a contribution to evidence based policy making. Since being set up in 2007, we have undertaken a significant number of research projects, and produced numerous publications a selection of which is presented below. This page is organised by date, with the latest reports and publications being at the top.

PRESERVERE e-book

As part of the PRESERVERE project, we have contributed to an e e-book which consists of chapters about the legal framework of six EU Member States in regard to the EU Action Plan against Racism. It also includes a chapter on the Racial Equality Directive and Victims' Rights Directive, and a comparative analysis between the different case studies. Click here to download the e-book. You can also download the e-book from Academia.edu or read it as a flipbook on Issuu.

Fundamental Rights Reports

(Contribution to) FRA Report: Legal environment and space of civil society organisations in supporting fundamental rights and the rule of law - Country research - 2021  (01/01/2021-31/12/2021) – 13 July 2022. Download the report here.

(Contribution to) FRA Report: Children as suspects or accused persons in criminal proceedings - procedural safeguards - 2021  (11/06/2019-30/04/2021) – 21 June 2022. Download the report here .

(Contribution to) FRA Report: Fundamental Rights Report 2022 - Country research - 2021  (01/01/2021-31/12/2021) – 8 June 2022. Download the report here .

(Contribution to) FRA Report: Social rights and equality in the light of the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic - Country research - 2021  (01/01/2021/31/12/2021) – 8 June 2022. Download the report here .

(Contribution to) FRA Report: Guardianship systems for unaccompanied children in the European Union: developments since 2014  - Country research - 2021  (01/01/2014-31/12/2021) – 15 February 2022.

(Contribution to) FRA Report: Migration: Key fundamental rights concerns - Bulletin 3 - 2021 (1/7/2021-30/9/2021) – December 2021. Download the report here.

(Contribution to) FRA Report: Migration: Key fundamental rights concerns - Bulletin 2 - 2021 (1/1/2021-30/6/2021) – September 2021. Download the report here.

(Contribution to) FRA Report: Migration: Key fundamental rights concerns - Bulletin 1 - 2021 (1/10/2020-31/12/2020) – February 2021. Download the report here.

FRA Report: Malta Case Study: Coronavirus pandemic in the EU - Fundamental Rights Implications: Vaccine rollout and equality of access in the EU - Bulletin 6. Download the Malta case study here and the Comparative Report developed by FRA here.

FRA Report: Malta Case Study: Coronavirus pandemic in the EU - Fundamental Rights Implications: Vaccine rollout and equality of access in the EU - Bulletin 4. Download the Malta case study here and the Comparative Report developed by FRA here.

FRA Report: Malta Case Study: Coronavirus pandemic in the EU - Fundamental Rights Implications: Vaccine rollout and equality of access in the EU - Bulletin 7. Download the Malta case study here and the Comparative Report developed by FRA here.

FRA Report: Fundamental Rights Report 2021. Download the Malta case study here and the report developed by FRA here.

FRA Report: Fundamental Rights Report 2020. Download the Malta case study here and the report developed by FRA here.

Mapping the Training Needs of Beneficiaries of International Protection and the Existing Mechanisms for Training Provision in Malta

This research is an output of INTEGRA-TRAIN, a project aiming to foster a knowledge-sharing network between Member States with a long history of refugee integration and those with a less developed integration framework

This report seeks to identify the training needs of beneficiaries of international protection in Malta and to map out the existing mechanisms for training provision, in order to better facilitate the integration of beneficiaries of international protection and asylum seekers (especially women) in society, by increasing skills and training in cultural, linguistic and various other aspects. It is important to note that this report will not focus on legal and procedural information regarding the asylum process but on integration-related information and training.

Legal and Procedural Information for Asylum Seekers in Malta and the European Union

The People for Change Foundation was a partner in the INFORM Project, responsible for the drafting of the National Report for Malta and the Comparative Report, which sought to highlight trends and differences in approaches between the participating Member States.

The INFORM Project was kindly funded by the Asylum Migration and Integration Fund of the European Union.

Malta's Progress Towards the SDGs

In this report we look at what Malta's contribution is and could be in achieving the SDGs.

Ethnic MInorities Beyond Migration: The Case of Malta

Maltese citizens living in racially and ethnically diverse families are largely invisible in public debates, but their experiences are stories of openness and resilience against ‘racism by proxy’, a new study by the People for Change Foundation has found. These individuals and families, who have either grown up in mixed families, entered into mixed relationships and marriages, or adopted children internationally, would like to see a country that does not see colour as a defining feature of ‘foreignness’. Yet strangers, neighbours or even their relatives probe their personal choices with curious and sometimes insensitive questions, the research revealed.

Click here to read the report.

Migrants' Use of Social Media

This report analyses the findings of a survey conducted among migrants in Malta on their use of social media. It is intended to contribute to knowledge on migrants’ use of social media as well as to inform local authorities and civil society organisations in the effectiveness of information and activities held or promoted over social media.

Click here to read the report.

Migration in Malta - Country Profile 2016

The Migration in Malta – Country Profile 2015, commissioned by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), seeks to contribute to the wider dialogue on migration, by providing an evidence-based overview of the islands’ contemporary migration narrative.

Migration in Malta 2016 Report

From Expats to Experts - Inclusion of Young Third Country Nationals in the Labour Market

This set of two publications showcases the opportunities and challenges of inclusion of TCN youth into the labour market via the provision of internships. The project researched both legal and policy avenues, whilst also implementing a trial set of internships across four countries.

Research Report
Inclusion for Change: Emphasising Positive Effects of Immigration for Local Communities

Read the report here

Guide for Mentors of Young Immigrants

Read the guide here

Female Genital Mutilation in Malta

This research, commissioned by NCPE, is the first piece of research to provide in-depth analysis about FGM in Malta. Whilst the research aims to address a knowledge gap in the field, FGM is a multifaceted phenomenon that no one piece of research can fully address. The report therefore serves as an exploratory overview and identifies area where further research is required.

The research report is accompanied by four sets of leaflets - one for medial practitioners, and three for women (in Somali, Arabic and Tigrinia).

Report on Female Genital Mutilation in Malta based on findings from literature and interviews / focus group
Leaflets on Female Genital Mutilation in English/Maltese, Somali, Arabic and Tigrinia

Trafficking and Smuggling: What is the difference?

The words ‘smuggling’ and ‘trafficking’ are often expressed by policy makers, the media and human rights organisations. These two words, which are sometimes used interchangeable, have very different definitions under both international and Maltese law, and therefore have different implications for the individuals being smuggled and trafficked, and those who perpetrate the crimes of smuggling and trafficking. This information note explains these differences as well as outlining some of the overlaps between the two crimes.

Submission to the White Paper Consultation on the Equality Act and Human Rights Commission

In February 2015, The People for Change Foundation responded to the government White Paper Consultation on Human Rights and Equality, providing feedback on the proposals for an Equality Act and a Human Rights and Equality Commission. Some of the points raised in our submission include: good governance, application and merit based appointment system, the need for mainstreaming human rights and equality issues, the need for equality and diversity data and victimisation surveys, the capacity building role of the Commission as well as the need to address human rights and equality both within our borders but also in Malta's international relations and the need for good governance including clarity of purpose. We welcomed many of the proposals presented in the white paper as important steps towards the stated goal of making Malta a global player in the field of human rights.

Submission to the consultation

Key words: human rights, good governance, equality body, human rights and equality commission, international relations, human rights education, capacity building.

ASSESS: Integration of Vulnerable Migrant Groups

A Review of Existing Monitoring Mechanisms for the Integration
- Methodology
- National Report: Malta
- Comparative Report

Integration of Vulnerable Migrant Groups in Malta
- National Report: Malta

Identification of Promising Practices
- Methodology
- Promising Practices Compilation

European Union Measures for the Integration of Vulnerable Migrant Groups: An Overview
- Overview Report

Key words: integration, vulnerable groups, women, children, trafficking, policy.

Towards A Robust Human Rights And Equality Framework: Submission

In March 2014 the Maltese government issued a request for submissions on human rights and equality, in an initial scoping consultation to collect input from the general public, civil society organisations, trade unions, business organisations, political parties, governmental institutions and all others.

- Submission to the scoping consultation

For more information about the consultation please click here

Key words: Human rights, consultation, integration, migration, trafficking, children's rights

The Malta Human Rights Report

The Malta Human Rights Update is an initiative of The People for Change Foundation. It aims to provide a snapshot of some of the most pertinent developments in the field of human rights in Malta, particularly those which are of direct relevance to the work undertaken by The People for Change Foundation. As a result, the report largely focuses on issues of migration and racism, as well as children’s rights. The Malta Human Rights Report 2013 is the first of its kind for the country, and will be an annual initiative undertaken by the People for Change Foundation. Beyond the documentation of human rights issues, however, the report seeks to engage with the underlying causal factors, and to engage with the legal, policy and social mechanism that would prevent and redress these issues.

- The Malta Human Rights Report 2013

Key Words: Human rights, migration, detention, Salamis, children

Final Report for Access to Protection: A Human Right

The report argues that the international law principle of non-refoulement, also enshrined in Maltese law, prevents the return of individuals to countries like Libya irrespective of whether the intervention of the State is one of interception or rescue, and irrespective of whether the activity is carried out by an official vessel or by the State giving instructions to a private rescuing vessel to return migrants to Libya. The principle, as explained by the European Court, entails a series of positive obligations on States, which cannot realistically be met without allowing disembarkation in a safe port. Safety is about more than physical safety. A place of safety is one where one’s human rights are protected as well as one’s physical well-being.

For more information visit the Access to Protection: A Human Right Project Page

- Access to Protection: A Human Right (Report)

Key words: migration, asylum, refugees, access to asylum, Hirsi judgment, project report, 2013, non-refoulement, Libya, ECHR, Salamis

Researching Migration and Asylum in Malta: A Guide

Researching Migration and Asylum in Malta: A Guide was written by the People for Change Foundation to aid those who would like to conduct research in Malta in the field of migration. Whilst the first section gives an overview of Malta’s history with migration (both emigration and immigration), the subsequent sections are merely meant to point out some of the references and resources available both online, in libraries and repositories, as well as through individuals who have developed significant expertise in the area.

The guide is intended for the use of both academics and journalists, particularly those whose time in the field is limited and for whom, therefore, early contact-making as well as significant preparation before arriving in Malta, are necessary.

For more information visit the Migration Research Pages.

- Researching Migration and Asylum in Malta: A Guide

Key words: migration, asylum, refugees, research, Malta, tools, 2013.

Racism in Malta: ENAR Shadow Reports on Malta

Since 2007, the People for Change Foundation has been writing Malta's ENAR Shadow Report, on various issues including Islamophobia and racism in employment. These reports are based on many sources of data, official, unofficial, academic and experiential. This allows access to information which, while sometimes not backed up by the rigours of academic standards, provides the vital perspective of those that either are or work directly with those affected by racism.

European Network Against Racism - Malta Shadow Reports
- National Shadow Report - Malta - 2012-2013
- National Shadow Report - Malta - 2011 - 2012
- National Shadow Report - Malta - 2010-2011
- National Shadow Report - Malta - 2010
- National Shadow Report - Malta - 2007
- National Shadow Report - Malta - 2006

Key words: racism, race, Malta, ENAR, Shadow Report, Islamophobia, Employment, Migration, Integration, Hate Crime

Racism in Europe: ENAR European Shadow Reports

ENAR’s Shadow Reports are a compilation of information and data collected by our member organisations. They are produced yearly partly to fill the gaps in the official and academic data, to offer an alternative to that data and to offer an NGO perspective and analysis on the realities of racism with the EU and its Member States.

The below European Shadow Reports have been drafted by The People for Change Foundation:
- European Shadow Report 2010-2011
- European Shadow Report 2009-2010
- European Shadow Report 2008

Key words: racism, race, Europe, ENAR, Shadow Report, Islamophobia, Migration, Integration, Hate Crime.

Strengthening Equality Beyond Legislation Project

This project, which was run by the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) sought to enhance the principle of equal treatment on all six grounds of discrimination, including race, as well as multiple discrimination. It sought to implement further legislation on non-discrimination through awareness raising, training, and research; and to disseminate information on EU and national policy and legislation in the non-discrimination field.

The People for Change Foundation was commissioned by NCPE to conduct research that resulted in the following outputs:

- Preferred Media of Minorities
- National Action Plan Against Racism and Xenophobia
- Consultation Report on the National Action Plan Against Racism
- Action Plan Promotional Leaflet
- A Review of the National Minimum Curriculum from an Equality Perspective
- Supporting Document for the Review of the National Minimum Curriculum

Key words: Equality, Media, race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, education, racism, action plan.

Media Coverage of Asylum Project

- Research Report on Media Coverage of Asylum Seekers
- Reporting Asylum: A Manual for Journalists

Supported Work

- Housing of Asylum Seekers (written on behalf of Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem)

- National Report for Malta - Study on the legal framework applicable to racist or xenophobic hate speech and hate crime in the EU Member States (JUST/2011/EVAL/FW/0146/A4) - introduction available here, full report available on request

Unpublished Reports and Input

- Submissions to the European Commission on Racism and Related Intolerance (ECRI)

- Submissions to the GRETA Committee of the Council of Europe

- Expert Reports presented to UK courts on Dublin II return cases

- Visa Policy as a Migration Channel for Malta (written for the European Migration Network / Malta Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs)