What are the existing strengths and weaknesses of Malta which can be identified as relevant factors in its fight against trafficking in human beings? What are the opportunities it may use to strengthen its actions, bearing in mind existing threats? These are important questions that need to be raised to envisage an effective and meaningful national anti-trafficking strategy. In an online workshop held on 10 May 2023, representatives of the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security, Reforms and Equality of Malta and its Human Rights Directorate and Human Rights Initiatives Unit led a constructive and open exchange with the Council of Europe and the European Commission DG REFORM in the framework of the project on ‘Supporting Malta in the design and implementation of a new anti-trafficking Strategy” to obtain a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis.  The discussion also focused on possible actions which could be included in the strategy to ensure implementation of the recommendations made by GRETA in its third report on Malta.

The workshop was also an opportunity to clarify the roles of, and distinction between, national anti-trafficking co-ordinators and rapporteurs. The Council of Europe will be leading roundtables and meetings in June in Malta to discuss further possible solutions with relevant stakeholders to address existing identified needs to strengthen the anti-trafficking system in Malta.

The Project “Supporting Malta in the design and implementation of a new anti-trafficking strategy” aims to contribute to the ongoing policy reform for combating trafficking in human beings in Malta. The project is co-funded by the European Union via the Technical Support Instrument, and implemented by the Council of Europe, in cooperation with the European Commission.