According to data disclosed to Times of Malta, there are presently 118 convicted paedophiles listed on Malta’s sex offenders’ register.

Thirteen individuals were added to this register in the past year, marking 2021 as one of the years with the highest number of new additions to date.

The Protection of Minors (Registration) Act was enacted in 2012, mandating the listing of individuals convicted of child-related offences on this register.

The number of additions has varied over the years: nine in 2012, nine in 2013, 10 in 2014, six in 2015, doubling to 12 in 2016, 10 in 2017, and eight in 2018. Subsequent years saw 11 additions in 2019, 10 in 2020, 13 in 2021, and seven in 2022.

Access to the register is at the judge’s discretion. Applications to check the register are primarily made by educators, employers, and child welfare organizations to safeguard against predators within their ranks.

However, the process is complex and time-consuming, potentially allowing individuals in contact with children to exploit their positions during the wait.

In 2017, an amendment allowed voluntary organizations to check the register without a fee, aimed at enhancing child protection efforts. Despite ongoing efforts to strengthen related laws, the Ministry of Justice lacks data on the outcomes of register access applications, currently conducting internal studies for legislative improvements.

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