A third of all of Malta’s prison inmates are awaiting trial, something the new US report on human rights in the country deems a problem. 

The report also raised concerns over the limited access that survivors of sexual violence have to governmental sexual and reproductive health services. 

Looking at 2021, the annual report notes that the lengthy pretrial detention remains an issue on the island as authorities occasionally confine foreign suspects for more than two years pending arraignment and trial, 

‘Approximately 34% of the prison population was in pre-trial detention’ it claimed, also stating that local courts rarely grant bail to foreigners, unlike they do citizens. 

The document went on to state that there were no reports of coerced abortion or involuntary sterilisation by government authorities. The ban on abortion by Malta allows no exceptions for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest or even when pregnancy threatens a women’s health or life. 

‘Social barriers and government policies adversely affecting the supply of contraceptives limited individuals’ ability to exercise birth control’ it said. 

The report said that despite a growing proportion of female higher education graduates, women remain underrepresented in management, generally earning less than men. The report also warns that ‘significant human rights issues’ in 2021 Malta included ‘credible’ reports of detention of migrants under inhuman conditions. It also noted serious government corruption and violence (and threats) against migrants from Africa. 

It did acknowledge however that the government took steps to investigate and prosecute officials who committed such abuses and corrupt acts. 

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