The Nationalist Party has called for urgent investment in both the Child Development Assessment Unit (CDAU) and the professionals who work there, highlighting the need for a better environment for the 4,000 children who rely on its services. Speaking at a press conference in front of the CDAU to mark World Children’s Day 2024, the party stressed the importance of providing vulnerable children with a suitable space for therapy and assessments.

Shadow Minister for Equality, Civil Liberties, and Children’s Rights Graziella Attard Previ criticised the current CDAU building, describing it as outdated and inadequate for the needs of children, particularly those facing developmental challenges. She called for the facility to be replaced, urging the Government to focus on long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.

Shadow Minister for Health Adrian Delia emphasised the importance of a nurturing environment for early childhood development, stressing that the first four years are critical for mental growth.

Meanwhile, Shadow Minister Ivan Bartolo raised concerns over child poverty, pointing to an increase in families relying on food banks and the struggles of those living in substandard housing. The Nationalist Party urged the Government to prioritise education and social housing to address these issues.

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At COP29 in Baku, Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Regeneration Miriam Dalli spoke on behalf of Malta, stressing the urgent need to tackle climate change. She highlighted that the 1.5-degree Celsius target is essential for the survival of millions and called for immediate, impactful action.

Dalli underscored the importance of strengthening Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to integrate both mitigation and adaptation strategies. “Resilience and sustainability must work together,” she said.

The minister also pushed for a robust climate finance agreement, advocating for the creation of a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) that involves a wider range of donors and combines public and private funds to support vulnerable nations. She highlighted Malta’s initiatives, including the Climate Vulnerability and Resilience Index and microfinancing projects, as examples of innovative ways to mobilize funding for small island states and least developed countries.

In closing, Dalli reiterated Malta’s commitment to climate neutrality, pointing to the Climate Action Authority as a key step in ensuring an integrated approach across all sectors. “The time for action is now,” she declared.

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At the General Affairs Council in Brussels, Minister for Justice Jonathan Attard presented Malta’s progress on rule of law reforms, focusing on key developments since 2020. This marks the third round of country-specific discussions in the 2024 Rule of Law Report.

Attard outlined Malta’s transformative judicial changes, including the establishment of a separate Prosecution Service, with the Attorney General now prosecuting all non-summary offences as of October 2024. He also highlighted a 34% increase in the number of judges and magistrates since 2020 and significant investments in the Financial Crimes Investigations Department, which saw an 81% increase in staff and a 260% rise in funding.

Looking ahead, Attard noted ongoing reforms, such as the establishment of a specialised Commercial Court and Family Court reforms prioritising children’s well-being. He also addressed efforts to expedite high-level corruption investigations, including the appointment of new magistrates and proposed legislation to reform the inquest system.

Attard concluded by reaffirming Malta’s commitment to continuous reform, emphasising that while significant progress has been made, work remains to align with EU values and uphold the rule of law.

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