The Parliamentary Ombudsman visits UNHCR Malta

The Parliamentary Ombudsman visits UNHCR Malta

Published February 13, 2025

The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Emeritus Joseph Zammit McKeon, visited the UNHCR Malta offices in Ta` Xbiex following an invitation for a briefing session aimed at discussing the Ombudsman’s recent proposal to broaden the remit of the Office to include the promotion and protection of human rights. The new Ombudsman Bill as proposed seeks to align the Office of the Ombudsman with the Paris Principles of the United Nations and consequently qualify to become the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) for Malta. The meeting also provided an insight on the work and initiatives undertaken by UNHCR Representation to Malta with a view to explore and develop areas of mutual collaboration.

In her opening remarks, Ms Parvina Munovarova, Associate Protection Officer at UNHCR Malta, expressed the organisation`s positive response to the proposal and voiced hope that the Government would support the initiative to extend the Ombudsman’s mandate to include the promotion and protection of human rights. Ms Munovarova commended the Ombudsman’s efforts, noting that they align with UNHCR Representation to Malta`s mission to uphold and strengthen human rights protections in Malta.

Ms Munovarova provided an overview of UNHCR Representation to Malta’s key activities and priorities, noting that as of June 2024, Malta hosted 6,272 refugees and subsidiary protection holders and issued temporary protection to 2,955 Ukrainian citizens, the majority of them, around 2500, are still living in Malta.. UNHCR Representation to Malta’s work focuses on safeguarding the rights and well-being of asylum-seekers, refugees, subsidiary and temporary protection status holders and stateless people.  A key part of its  mandate involves monitoring access to territory, asylum and reception conditions, ensuring individuals in need of protection are treated in accordance with international standards.

UNHCR also plays a critical role in advocating for a protection-sensitive asylum system, promoting inclusive policies  that respect the dignity of forcibly displaced and stateless persons while ensuring fair and efficient procedures. UNHCR actively strives to strengthen the capacities of government bodies and partner agencies, offering  technical and legal expertise to improve the effectiveness of national asylum processes.  In addition to immediate protection measures, UNHCR is committed to promoting and seeking  durable solutions for refugees and stateless persons with a strong focus on local integration as a sustainable pathway for those settling in Malta. Recognising the importance of societal inclusion, UNHCR places a high priority on raising public awareness about asylum and refugee issues, fostering greater understanding and empathy within Maltese society.

Ms Munovarova highlighted the fruitful cooperation with the Government of Malta and on-going collaboration. She also elaborated on some challenges   encountered, including access to effective remedy in the context of applying accelerated procedures, reception and detention conditions,  access to education for some children, elderly refugees’ access to active ageing services, and family reunification possibility for subsidiary protection status holders.  . She stressed the importance of proactive engagement and coordination with the Government and relevant authorities to address these concerns and improve opportunities for local integration and self-reliance.

In his closing remarks, the Ombudsman expressed appreciation for the invaluable work carried out by UNHCR in its day-to-day activities. He reaffirmed that the Office of the Ombudsman is accessible to all persons, including those seeking protection, should they feel aggrieved by acts or omissions of the public service and/or the public administration. The Ombudsman also welcomed continued collaboration with UNHCR Representation to Malta and NGOs working in the field of migration and asylum.

Ms Marcelle Bugre Zanya, Associate Durable Solutions Officer, and Mr Joseph Meli, Assistant Communications Officer, from UNHCR Representation to Malta, as well as Mr Paul Borg, Director General, and Mr Jurgen Cassar, Head of Communications and Research, from the Office of the Ombudsman, were also present for the meeting.