Sex work decriminalisation in Malta backed up by European sex worker unions

Mar 16 2021

Malta’s government plans to decriminalise prostitution has been backed up by a whole group of sex worker and LGBTIQ+ rights unions. The groups published a statement claiming that the efforts towards a reform in Maltese law are supported by them, seeking the protection of sex workers. The Maltese government’s pledge to reform the laws and decriminalise sex work was opposed by a series of local women’s rights groups.

The statement by the group however stated that sex workers globally are demanding decriminalisation, along with rights to self-determination and organisation. With Malta seen as a leader in LGBTIQ+ protection, they continued to claim that criminalisation of sex workers leads to more, rather than less, violence towards them.

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Undercover Police patrolling bars scheme sparks outrage

Mar 16 2021

Undercover police in plain-clothes are set to be deployed across UK bars as measures to help keep women safe. The move, dubbed ‘Project Vigilant’, was announced following a meeting of Crime and Justice Taskforce, chaired by Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The reaction of the public however was not one of agreement as many replied through social media that the idea is in fact abhorrent.

Many stated that no one would feel safe in bars full of secret police and others added that the decision was out of touch. Many asked the government to scratch the idea and invest in other programmes that can actually help women. Johnson also added that the Safer Streets Fund will be increased to £45 million and investing in lighting and CCTV.

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313 COVID-19 cases registered overnight with 215 recoveries

67 COVID-19 cases registered overnight with 323 recoveries

Mar 16 2021

Malta has registered 313 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours from 4,463 swab tests, while 215 patients have recovered. This information was announced by the official Facebook page of Malta’s Ministry for Health.

As of Tuesday 15th March 2021, 126,277 vaccine doses were administered of which 40,681 were 2nd doses.

To date, Malta has registered 27,061 COVID-19 cases in total, of which: 23,591 have recovered, 357 died and 3,113 are still active.

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Parents receiving financial aid if affected by school closure

Mar 16 2021

A parent benefit scheme will be put into action for parents who are forced to stay home due to schools closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The benefit scheme has been issued once again by the government, seeking to aid parents of children younger than 16-years-old. The scheme will be in effect from 15th March to 11th April, with extensions dependant on any COVID-19 pandemic updates.

Parents working in private sector, but not with private company, and those in essential services can apply for the scheme. The parents must also work full-time or part-time, do not use tele-work and cannot leave their house to take care of their children due to school closures. The scheme will cost around €2.8 million, with parents in full-time employment receiving €166.15 every week and those in part-time receiving €103.85 weekly.

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