A thorough study on homelessness in Malta is needed, the Church’s Justice and Peace Commission said in its 2020 budget proposals.
“This would shed more light on the main triggers of homelessness and the best ways through which this problem can be properly addressed. More resources to support exiting shelter homes would also help alleviate the burden on NGOs and the Church.”
The recommendations were categorised in three groupings tied to the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and also through direct stakeholder consultations with Church organisations working with various societal groups.
No Poverty
The commission adopted a wider definition of poverty, including; vulnerable groups such as low income groups, people suffering abuse as well as children and young adults forced to live in sub-optimal conditions. The commission believes that any measures introduced to assist such individuals should empower the beneficiary rather than create further dependencies.
On affordable housing, the commission welcomed the recently introduced equity sharing scheme and the White Paper ‘Renting as a Housing Alternative’. “However, it believes that more needs to be done in view of the consistent increase in rental prices that is leading to an ever greater number of ‘working poor’. In this regard, the introduction of a government mortgage guarantee and/or the deduction of loan interest from income tax, may be partial solutions that the authorities may wish to consider.”
Turning to people suffering abuse, the commission recommends the setting up of a legal aid agency and the setting up of a system whereby child support contributions are passed on to a state agency, whom would then forward them to the beneficiary family. “This would mitigate commonplace litigations that normally arise between the two parties.”
The commission also spoke about youths falling through the educational system. “The scheme which will be launched by the government: ‘My Journey’: Achieving through different paths’ is welcome. The commission recommends that such schemes are extended to youths who are older than the schooling age, but have left the education system prematurely.”
Refugees and Asylum Seekers
The commission said that it is “deeply concerned by the unfortunate choice of words used in the pre-budget document in relation to refugees and asylum seekers. Framing a humanitarian issue as a national security issue can have dire consequences on the public’s perception. This is particularly disconcerting given the xenophobic sentiment that is already felt in parts of our society. Once again, the commission reiterates its call for substantive investment to be made in the ‘Initial Reception Centre’ and encourages the government to find alternative accommodation options for asylum seekers who are being detained longer than required at the Initial Reception Centre and the Safi Barracks. “
Good Health and Well Being
The boost in investment on health care centres and on the national system, together with the acquisition of equipment for robotic surgery and the inclusion of Malta in the European Reference Network are amongst a number of positive developments registered in this field, the commission said.
Turning to mental health, it said that in spite of the recent proposal to upgrade the facilities at Mount Carmel Hospital, the commission opines that this will not be enough to meet the increase in demand for such services. The commission also reiterates that community mental health support services for family caregivers should be introduced.
On good air quality, the commission said that possible solutions that could help improve air quality include offering free public transport during rush hours; introducing safe and adequate infrastructure for alternative modes of transport; avoidance of short term measures to reduce traffic; investment to increase green areas and enforcement regulation in terms of constriction practices to minimise the dispersion of dust particles.
Decent Work and Economic Growth
The commission said that Malta continues to register better than expected economic growth rates and low unemployment rates. “It is however very important that such economic progress is both ethical and sustainable in nature.”
The commission added that enforcement in certain industries including the construction, entertainment and tourism sectors amongst others, is lacking. The commission encourages the government to establish robust systems intended to safeguard workers while ensuring a safe and dignified way by which each individual can earn a decent living. “The rise of the so called ‘Gig economy’ has also been notable in the recent years. In this regard, the commission urges government to make the necessary changes in local legislation such that effected workers are safeguarded from being exploited. Moreover, whilst acknowledging the great contribution of foreign workers in Malta, the commission encourages the government to protect these individuals and to make sure that they are treated with dignity, rather than simply being used as any another resource of production. “
“The importance of diversification and of weaning off the economy from its dependence on specific sectors cannot be overstated, particularly so given Malta’s inherent vulnerabilities from it being a small island economy.” The commission urges decision-makers to steer investment in niches which are both ethical and sustainable in both the short and long term.
