Strengthening Knowledge on Integration and Non-discrimination - SKIN

Objectives

The project ‘Strengthening Knowledge on Integration and Non-discrimination’ (SKIN) is a 24-month project focusing on race and ethnic origin. The main aim of this project is to identify the needs of and discrimination faced by vulnerable groups, namely people of African descent* and Muslims.    

Launch conference

The launch conference, held on the 20th of July 2023, aimed at informing the public, relevant stakeholders and target groups about the objectives and expected results and future activities of the SKIN project. During the conference, NCPE presented an overview of the current situation regarding the levels of discrimination based on race, ethnic origin and religion in Malta and a summary of the SKIN project. The project partner Aditus Foundation focused on the importance of having an open and inclusive dialogue with migrant-led groups.  The second part of the conference included workshops on various stereotypes and how to combat discrimination based on race, ethnic origin and religion.

Press Statement: EN / MT

Presentation no. 1: Discrimination based on race, ethnic origin and religion – Ms Renee Laiviera, NCPE Commissioner

Presentation no. 2: SKIN Project Overview, Ms Annalise Frantz, NCPE Manager (Projects)

Presentation no. 3: Inclusive dialogue with migrant groups, Dr Neil Falzon, Aditus Director

Capacity building sessions

Three capacity-building sessions were held to strengthen the knowledge and further empower the national equality body on the grounds of race/ethnic origin and religion. The sessions were conducted by experts from the aditus foundation, the Anti-Racism and Non-Discrimination Sector team at the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA), and the Vice-Chair of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), Ms. Domenica Ghidei Biidu.

The topics covered facilitated a deeper exploration of structural issues relating to race and religion in the Maltese context, whilst also assessing the various levels of discrimination faced locally by people of African Descent and Muslims. Furthermore, from a research perspective, the sessions also offered a better understanding of a human rights-based approach to collecting equality data for hard-to-reach populations.  

A report with the summary of each capacity-building session can be downloaded here.

Focus groups

Focus groups were held with people of African descent and members of the Muslim community on the topic of discrimination based on race and ethnic origin.

The objective was to gain a better understanding of the discrimination they face on a day-to-day basis, and better address their needs in relation to the work of the NCPE and of the aditus foundation.

Four focus groups exclusively for women were held, two for Muslim women and two for women of African descent. The sessions successfully engaged a total of 15 participants who shared compelling and diverse experiences, shedding light on systemic barriers they encounter on a daily basis. Equally, many positive aspects of living in Malta were highlighted. Spanish, Arabic and French interpreters assisted during these sessions.

Three other focus groups brought together a total of 27 male participants, along with an additional session for both men and women which included a further seven participants. The languages catered for varied from Arabic to Tigrinya, French, and English, ensuring a broad spectrum of voices to be heard. Participants expressed their struggles and successes in navigating Maltese society whilst offering valuable insight into the needs and possible measures to better support these minority groups.

A report was published on the main experiences and needs expressed by the participants and a plan of action for the NCPE to address these circumstances and empower its officers to provide an improved service for them. The publication can be accessed following this link. 

Training sessions

Four specific target groups received training as part of the SKIN project: institutions and public entities, shop stewards, people of African descent and members of the Muslim community.

The first two training sessions targeted shop stewards representing three of the largest trade unions in Malta; the General Workers’ Union, the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses, and the UHM Voice of the Workers. Two other sessions were addressed to public service and sector employees who engage with individuals likely to belong to minority groups, specifically targeting employees of the Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers, the International Protection Agency, and the Agency for Therapeutic and Community Services.

These sessions aimed at cultivating a more inclusive workplace and to sensitise participants to the importance of equality, racial, religious, and cultural diversity.

Four other sessions were delivered to members of the Muslim communities and persons of African descent. The purpose of these sessions was to increase awareness of the rights and responsibilities under the Maltese equality legislation and on the means of redress in cases of discrimination. This training was attended by 30 participants and was delivered in various languages to accommodate their linguistic needs.

Consultation meetings

Several consultation meetings were held between the Project Partners; NCPE and aditus foundation. These meetings serve to plan the agenda and outreach strategy for the focus groups and maintain an open dialogue throughout the project duration, on how to best achieve the project targets and objectives.

Awareness-raising campaign

An awareness-raising campaign is being implemented to educate and raise awareness on integration with a particular focus on racism, Afrophobia, anti-Muslim hatred, and discrimination on the grounds of race / ethnic origin and religion.

This campaign comprise two visual articles published in local newspapers, five YouTube adverts, posters and leaflets, along with TV and radio interviews.

Article 1 – Diversity Management at the Workplace (English)

Article 1 – Id-Diversità fit-Tmexxija tal-Post tax-Xogħol (Maltese)

Article 2 – Tackling Workplace Discrimination (English)

Article 2 – Nindirizzaw id-Diskriminazzjoni fuq il-Post tax-Xogħol (Maltese)

YouTube advert 1 – Equal treatment is a right, not a privilege

YouTube advert 2 – Religion should not define the story

YouTube advert 3 – Skills are not defined by religion

YouTube advert 4 – Prejudice denies work opportunities

YouTube advert 5 – Unequal pay for equal work is discriminatory

Poster

Leaflets – English, Maltese, French and Arabic

Final conference

The NCPE and aditus foundation presented the project’s results at the final conference. The speakers explained in detail the implementation and the outcomes of each activity, engaging with questions and suggestions from the audience through two panel discussions.

Press Statement: EN /MT

Presentation no.1 – Project overview – Ms Annalise Frantz, NCPE Manager (Projects)

Presentation no. 2 – Training Component Overview – Mr André Callus, Mangaer (Policy & Training)

Presentation no. 3 – Focus groups findings and Action Plan – Ms Amanda Catania, Manager (Research Analyst)

*The NCPE refers to people of African descent or people of colour as those who self-identify as Africans and their descendants, who are born in, citizens of, or have travelled and are living in Europe. This terminology is generally in use and developed among others at the European Union’s Fundamental Rights Agency[1], United Nations[2][3], as well as the Council of Europe’s European Commission against Racism and Intolerance[4].

[1] FRA, Being black in the EU – experiences of people of African descent, December 2023, http://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2023/being-black-eu.

[2] Kassanda P.N., Identification and definition of “People of African Descent” and how racial discrimination against them is manifested in various regions, January 24, 2003, https://www2.ohchr.org/english/events/iypad2011/documents/Working_Group_on_African_Descent/2003_WGPAD_Session/Definition_of_People_of_African_Descent-PL_Kasanda.pdf.

[3] OHCHR, People of African descent, accessed April 23, 2024, https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Issues/Racism/PAD.pdf.

[4] ECRI, “Racism and Discrimination Against Black Persons/People Of African Descent Factsheet,” March 20, 2024, https://rm.coe.int/ecri-factsheet-anti-black-racism-19032024-eng/1680aef79b.