Two draft laws have been announced that implement a key electoral promise by the Government, aiming to guarantee the fundamental rights of every person with a disability in Malta.
The draft Personal Autonomy Act will ensure that every individual has the right to make decisions about their daily life. This includes the necessary support to enable autonomous decision-making. The new system respects the dignity of the person and reduces situations where others decide on their behalf, except in truly exceptional cases.
This was announced by the Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering, Julia Farrugia.
At the same time, the draft Protection of Adults in Vulnerable Situations Act (PASVA) will establish a legal framework to protect these individuals from abuse, harm, or neglect. Dedicated officers will be appointed to work with various entities and professionals to ensure that the voices of vulnerable adults are heard and that they receive the necessary assistance, including court intervention when required.
Although progress has been made, Malta’s current system still does not offer all persons the opportunity to make decisions for themselves. With the right support, a person can be actively involved in important decisions both everyday ones and more significant issues, such as inheritance.
These measures are a direct response to recommendations made by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities following its review of Malta in 2018. Since then, extensive consultations have been held with government entities, professionals, NGOs, and affected individuals and their families. The laws have also been developed according to advice from international experts, including two UN Special Rapporteurs.
Malta will be among the first countries in Europe to fulfil its obligations under Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, alongside countries such as Ireland, Spain, and Austria.
The Protection of Adults Act will also allow for criminal and civil cases where necessary, as well as introducing certification for those working with vulnerable adults and a register for individuals found guilty of offences against these adults. Those listed will be barred from continuing to work or volunteer with vulnerable adults.
Minister Julia Farrugia explained, “Today, as a Government, we are taking a historic step towards a fairer, more humane, and truly inclusive Malta. These laws are not just reforms on paper—they are a clear affirmation of our values as a society that believes in dignity, autonomy, and the rights of every person, regardless of disability, age or health. We are shifting from a system that chooses who has the right to decide for themselves to one that empowers the individual, with the support they need. This is a Malta that listens, learns, and acts. Malta leads forward with courage and vision, even when many other countries lag behind. With determination and love for our people, we are moving forward to make our promises a reality and to be a country that leaves no one behind.”
The public consultation document is available at http://publicconsultation.gov.mt/, where suggestions and comments will be accepted until 8 August 2025. Feedback can also be sent via email to [email protected] or by post to the Directorate for Disability Affairs, Ministry for Inclusion and Volunteering, Triq in-Negozju, Birkirkara CBD 3000.
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“This infrastructure is crucial to eventually establishing a proper racetrack,” Minister Grima explained. He noted that during the current phase of works, it was determined that the existing foundations were unsuitable for the planned facilities. “As a result, work is being carried out to lay the necessary new foundations. It’s clear that significant progress is being made, and I look forward to delivering yet another promise to the sporting public and motorsport enthusiasts.” the Minister added.
Minister Grima reviewed the official documentation maintained to record the project’s progress. He also observed ongoing concrete surfacing works for what will eventually become the racetrack. At present, robust perimeter walls are being constructed in line with international safety standards to ensure the protection of drivers during approved events hosted at the facility, as sanctioned by the Planning Authority.