Maltese people have low awareness of human rights and a lack of critical thinking, a report compiled by human rights organisations noted. 
The report associated this with a dogmatic education system that “fails to encourage or coax students into independent thinking”. 
This also did not encourage students to share thoughts and views without fear of repercussions, it noted. The report by the Platform of Human Rights Organisations in Malta (PHROM) also said identification of potentially trafficked children remained a concern, particularly in relation to migrant children.
“An effective procedure for identification of victims of human trafficking [by the authorities] should be implemented,” the report said.
Member organisations were also concerned at the possibility of migrant children being vulnerable to being trafficked because of their social, legal and economic situations. A lack of measures to respond to unaccompanied children going missing was also noted. 
“There is a need to increase efforts to provide assistance and support, such as safe and appropriate housing, legal assistance and residence documents, to all victims of trafficking, including children,” the report said. It…