The concept of protection from discrimination in Malta : a review of the legal framework

Abstract

Freedom from discrimination is an enabling right. Yet, discrimination at work is a daily reality for millions of people around the world. Many people find the doors of opportunity and advancement closed because of grounds like race or religion - not talents. Because of age - not capabilities. Because of colour - not competence. And all of this is compounded, of course, by gender. This hard truth is at the heart of the Maltese government which strives to help eliminate discrimination by implementing new laws. Workplace discrimination takes many forms. Women everywhere earn less than men, even when they are equally and sometimes even more qualified. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and older workers are more likely to be unemployed for longer periods of time. People with disabilities are often the last employed and the first to be dismissed. Discrimination comes at a heavy price. For individuals, it erodes self-esteem and breeds a sense of frustration and powerlessness. For enterprises, it undermines productivity and saps potential. For society, it perpetuates poverty and social exclusion and can lead to destabilization. Government, employers, workers and citizens all have to take deliberate and sustained action at many levels and in different areas that connect with the workplace. We must be able to assess progress and monitor new forms of discrimination. Simply put, discrimination has no place at work. Economically, socially and politically, we simply cannot afford discrimination at work.