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APPENDIêI VI

ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

The text of the First Draft of the Administrative Code is available at: http://www.parlament.mt/sc-codification

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APPENDIêI VII

TYPOLOGY OF MALTESE LAWS

This paper attempts to categorise Maltese Law by subject-matter. It provides a typology of the chapters of the Laws of Malta according to broadly classified topics which, potentially, might be developed into Codes or consolidated laws on the subjects therein listed. At the moment of writing (29.04.10) there are 501 chapters of the Laws of Malta.

TYPOLOGY OF MALTESE LAW

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW Statute Law Revision Act Fees Ordinance – Chapter 35 Land Acquisition (Public Purposes) Ordinance – Chapter 88 Attorney General and Counsel for the Republic (Constitution of Office) Ordinance – Chapter 90 George Cross (Restriction of Use) Ordinance – Chapter 115 Malta Treasury Bills Act – Chapter 133 Special Development Areas Act – Chapter 149 Petroleum (Production) Act – Chapter 156 Accountant General Ordinance – Chapter 160 Comptroller of Customs Ordinance – Chapter 163 Commissioner of Land Ordinance – Chapter 168 Financial Administration and Audit Act - Chapter 174 Judges and Magistrates (Salaries) Act – Chapter 175 Emergency Powers Act – Chapter 178 Existing Laws (Reprinting) Act – Chapter 185 President of Malta and other Officers (Salaries) Act – Chapter 186 Maltese Citizenship Act – Chapter 188 United Kingdom Lands Vesting Act – Chapter 193 Saving Bonds Act – Chapter 222 Premium Bonds Act – Chapter 223 Land (Compulsory Eviction) Act – Chapter 228 Interpretation Act – Chapter 249 Identity Card Act – Chapter 258 Employment Commission Act – Chapter 267 Disposal of Government Land Act – Chapter 268 Monte di Pieta’ Act – Chapter 269

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Inquiries Act – Chapter 273 Use of Certain Words (Regulation) Act – Chapter 277 Financial Year Act – Chapter 282 Commissioners for Justice Act – Chapter 291 Ministers (Delegation of Functions) Act – Chapter 324 National Archives Act – Chapter 339 Ombudsman Act – Chapter 385 Auditor General and the National Audit Office Act – Chapter 396 Reversion of Certain Lands Act – Chapter 432 Data Protection – Chapter 440 Administration of Lands Act – Chapter 448 Internal Audit and Financial Investigations Act – Chapter 461 Freedom of Information – Chapter 496 Public Administration Act – Chapter 497 Administrative Justice Act – Chapter 490 AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES LAWS Carrier Pigeons Ordinance – Chapter 30 Public Gardens (Closing) Ordinance – Chapter 34 Potato (Cultivation) Ordinance – Chapter 64 Agricultural Returns Ordinance – Chapter 84 Agricultural Produce (Export) Ordinance – Chapter 85 Animals (Control of Importation) Ordinance – Chapter 86 Cattle Breeding Ordinance – Chapter 97 Tunny Fishery (Shares) Act – Chapter 129 Imported Store Cattle (Weighing) Act – Chapter 143 Agricultural and Fishing ~Industries (Financial Assistance) Act – Chapter 146 Animal Food and Feeding Stuffs Act – Chapter 183 Fertile Soil (Preservation) Act – Chapter 236 Dogs Act – Chapter 312 Fisheries Conservation and Management Act – Chapter 425 Pesticides Control Act – Chapter 430 Plant Quarantine Act – Chapter 433 Wine Act – Chapter 436 Animal Welfare Act – Chapter 439 Producer Organisations Act – Chapter 447 ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION LAWS Arbitration Act – Chapter 387 Mediation Act – Chapter 474 BUSINESS PROMOTION LAWS Encouragement of New Industries Act – Chapter 53 Aid to Industries Ordinance – Chapter 159

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Business Promotion Act – Chapter 325 Local Manufactures (Promotion) Act – Chapter 336 Small Enterprises (Loan Guarantee) Act – Chapter 397 Insurance Business Act – Chapter 403 Malta Crafts Council Act – Chapter 421 Malta Enterprise Act – Chapter 463 CIVIL LAWS Marriage Legacies Law – Chapter 3 Promises of Marriage Law – Chapter 5 Civil Code – Chapter 16 Old Privileges and Hypothecs (Registration and Renewal) Ordinance – Chapter 27 Maintenance Orders (Facilities for Enforcement) Ordinance – Chapter 48 British Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act – Chapter 52 Notarial Profession and Notarial Archives Act – Chapter 55 Public Registry Act – Chapter 56 Reletting of Urban Property (Regulation) Ordinance – Chapter 69 Marriage Legacies (Gozo) (Administration and Election) Ordinance – Chapter 109 Developed Land (Valuation) Ordinance – Chapter 110 Rent Restriction (Dwelling Houses) Ordinance – Chapter 116 Housing Act – Chapter 125 Entailed Property (Disentailment) Act – Chapter 130 Housing Decontrol Ordinance – Chapter 158 Agricultural Leases (Reletting) Act – Chapter 199 Disentailment of Property (Extension to Fiefs) Act – Chapter 212 Maintenance Orders (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act – Chapter 242 Immovable Property (Acquisition by Non-Residents) Act – Chapter 246 Marriage Act – Chapter 255 Manoel Island (Special Provision) Act – Chapter 259 Land Registration Act – Chapter 296 Partition of Inheritances Act – Chapter 308 Home Ownership (Encouragement) Act – Chapter 328 Trusts and Trustees Act – Chapter 331 Housing (Extension) Act – Chapter 360 Condominium Act – Chapter 398 Notarial Acts (Temporary Provisions) Act – Chapter 408 Child Abduction and Custody Act – Chapter 410 Foster Care Act – Chapter 491 Adoption Administration Act – Chapter 495 CIVIL PROTECTION Socjeta’ Maltija tas-Salib l-Ahmar – Malta Red Cross Society Act – Chapter 359 Civil Protection Act – Chapter 411

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CIVIL SOCIETY AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS LA W Public Collections – Chapter 279 Malta Council for Economic and Social Development Act – Chapter 431 Voluntary Organisations Act – Chapter 492 COMMERCIAL LAWS Commercial Code – Chapter 13 Coal Owners (Protection) Ordinance – Chapter 43 Trading Stamps Schemes (Restriction) Act – Chapter 182 Trade Descriptions Act – Chapter 313 Doorstep Contracts Act – Chapter 317 Consumer Affairs Act – Chapter 378 Competition Act – Chapter 379 Companies Act – Chapter 386 Product Safety Act – Chapter 427 Trading Licences Act – Chapter 441 Services (Internal Market) Act – Chapter 500 COMMUNICATIONS LAWS Radiocommunications Act – Chapter 49 Postal Services Act – Chapter 254 Electronic Communications (regulation) Act – Chapter 399 Malta Communications Authority Act – Chapter 418 Electronic Commerce – Chapter 426 CRIMINAL LAWS Sanctuary (Abolition) Law – Chapter 2 Criminal Code – Chapter 9 Punishments (Interpretation) Ordinance – Chapter 23 Explosives Ordinance – Chapter 33 White Phosphorous Matches (Prohibition) Ordinance – Chapter 38 Official Secrets Act – Chapter 50 White Slave Traffic (Suppression) Ordinance – Chapter 63 Public Meetings Ordinance – Chapter 68 Seditious Propaganda (Prohibition) Ordinance – Chapter 71 Conduct Certificates Ordinance – Chapter 77 Dangerous Drugs Ordinance – Chapter 101 Donated Supplies (Prohibition of Sale) Act – Chapter 145 Immigration Act – Chapter 217 Extradition Act – Chapter 274 Juvenile Court Act – Chapter 287 Permanent Commission Against Corruption – Chapter 326

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Prevention of Money Laundering Act – Chapter 373 Professional Secrecy Act – Chapter 377 Probation Act – Chapter 446 Arms Act – Chapter 480 Domestic Violence Act – Chapter 481 ECCLESIATICAL LAWS Ecclesiastical Courts (Constitution and Jurisdiction) Law – Chapter 1 Ecclesiastical Offices or Benefices (Appointment by Foreign Power) Ordinance – Chapter 6 Bishop of Gozo (Extension of Privileges) Ordinance – Chapter 15 Anglican Church (Property) Ordinance – Chapter 19 Mortmain Act – Chapter 201 Ecclesiastical Entities (Properties) Act – Chapter 358 EDUCATIONAL LAWS Education Act – Chapter 327 Mutual Recognition of Qualifications Act – Chapter 451 ELECTORAL LAWS Electoral Polling Ordinance – Chapter 102 Referenda Act – Chapter 237 General Elections Act – Chapter 354 European Parliament Elections Act – Chapter 467 EMPLOYMENT LAWS Port Workers Ordinance – Chapter 171 Disabled Persons (Employment) Act – Chapter 210 Public Transport (Regulation of Employment) Act – Chapter 214 Employment and Training Services Act – Chapter 343 Employment and Industrial Relations Act – Chapter 452 Members of Parliament (Public Employment) Act – Chapter 472 ENVIRONMENTAL, CULTURAL HERITAGE AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING LAWS Porte des Bombes Area (Preservation) Act – Chapter 74 Portes des Bombes Area (Exemption) Act – Chapter 119 Sand (Preservation) Act – Chapter 127 Clean Air Act – Chapter 200 Litter Act – Chapter 206

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National Museums and Monuments (Comprehensive Admission Tickets) Act – Chapter 298 Filfla Nature Reserve Act – Chapter 323 Development Planning Act – Chapter 356 Environment Protection Act – Chapter 435 Cultural Heritage Act – Chapter 445 EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act – Chapter 413 Equality for Men and Women Act – Chapter 456 FINANCIAL SERVICES LAWS Central Bank of Malta – Chapter 204 Malta Membership of the International Monetary Fund Act – Chapter 209 External Transactions Act – Chapter 233 Barclays Bank (Transfer of Business) Act – Chapter 257 Membership of International Financial Organisations Act – Chapter 235 Malta Government Savings Bank (Winding Up) Act – Chapter 307 Malta Financial Services Authority Act – Chapter 330 Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency Act – Chapter 335 Financial Markets Act – Chapter 345 Malta Membership of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Act – Chapter 347 Investment Services Act – Chapter 370 Banking Act – Chapter 371 Financial Institutions Act – Chapter 376 Special Funds (Regulation) Act – Chapter 450 Prevention of Financial Markets Abuse Act – Chapter 476 Set-off and Netting on Insolvency Act – Chapter 459 Securitisation Act – Chapter 484 Insurance Intermediaries Act – Chapter 487 FISCAL LAWS Customs Ordinance – Chapter 37 Spirits Ordinance – Chapter 41 Revenue (Safeguard) Act – Chapter 62 Commissioner of Inland Revenue (Constitution of Office) Act – Chapter 121 Income Tax Act – Chapter 123 Import Duties Act – Chapter 337 Duty on Documents and Transfers Act – Chapter 364 Income Tax Management Act – Chapter 372 Bunkering (Fuels) Tax Act – Chapter 381 Excise Duty Act – Chapter 382 Customs and Excise Tax Act – Chapter 395

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Commercial Banks (Special Tax) Act – Chapter 402 Value Added Tax – Chapter 406 Eco-Contribution Act – Chapter 473 GAMING LAWS Public Lotto Ordinance – Chapter 70 Racecourse Betting Ordinance – Chapter 78 Director of Public Lotto (Constitution of Office) – Chapter 122 Director of Public Lotto (Powers and Functions) Act – Chapter 137 Gaming Act – Chapter 400 Lotteries and Other Games Act – Chapter 438 HEALTH LAWS Burials Ordinance – Chapter 17 Addolorata Cemetery Ordinance – Chapter 18 Medical and Kindred Professions Ordinance – Chapter 31 Prevention of Disease Ordinance – Chapter 36 Lepers Ordinance – Chapter 45 Department of Health (Constitution) Ordinance – Chapter 94 Insanitary Areas Ordinance – Chapter 103 Venereal Diseases (Treatment) Act – Chapter 124 Sanitary Inspectors (Change of Designation) Act – Chapter 153 Notification of Cancer Act – Chapter 154 Hospital for Mental Diseases (Change of Designation) Act – Chapter 205 Mental Health Act – Chapter 262 Control of Tattooing Act – Chapter 270 Tobacco (Smoking Control) Act – Chapter 315 Food Safety Act – Chapter 449 Medicines Act – Chapter 458 Health Care Professions Act – Chapter 464 Public Health Act – Chapter 465 Human Blood and Transplants Act – Chapter 483 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAWS Intellectual Property Rights (Cross-Border Measures) – Chapter 414 Copyright Act – Chapter 415 Trademarks Act – Chapter 416 Patents and Designs Act – Chapter 417 Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (Regulation) Act – Chapter 488 LAWS ESTABLISHING OR REGULATING PUBLIC CORPORATIONS Housing Authority Act – Chapter 261

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Enemalta Act – Chapter 272 Water Services Corporation – Chapter 355 Malta Statistics Authority Act – Chapter 422 Malta Resources Authority Act – Chapter 423 Occupational Health and Safety Authority Act – Chapter 424 LAWS IMPLEMENTING BUDGET MEASURES Budget Measures Implementation Act – Chapter 457 Budget Measures Implementation (2004) Act – Chapter 469 Budget Measures Implementation (2005) Act – Chapter 475 Budget Measures Implementation (2007) Act – Chapter 489 Budget Measures Implementation Act – Chapter 494 Budget Measures Implementation (2009) Act – Chapter 498 Budget Measures Implementation (2010) Act – Chapter 501 LAWS OF GENERAL APPLICATION Affirmations Act – Chapter 245 Interpretation Act – Chapter 249 Gieh ir-Repubblika Act – Chapter 251 National Holidays and other Public Holidays Act – Chapter 253 Malta Summer Time Act – Chapter 230 European Convention Act – Chapter 319 Local Councils Act – Chapter 363 European Union Act – Chapter 460 Euro Adoption Act – Chapter 485 LAWS OF ORGANISATION AND CIVIL PROCEDURE Code of Organization and Civil Procedure – Chapter 12 Investment of Certain Monies Ordinance – Chapter 26 Judicial Proceedings (Regulation of Reports) Act – Chapter 60 Commissioner for Oaths – Chapter 79 Witnesses (Fees) Ordinance – Chapter 108 Commission for the Administration of Justice Act – Chapter 369 Small Claims Tribunal Act – Chapter 380 Legal Procedures (Ratification of Conventions) Act – Chapter 443 LAWS REGULATING PROFESSIONALS Accountancy Profession Act – Chapter 281 Engineering Profession Act – Chapter 321 Auctioneers Act – Chapter 342 Periti Act – Chapter 390 Social Work Professions Act – Chapter 468

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Psychology Profession Act – Chapter 471 LOANS Local Loans (Registered Stock and Securities) Ordinance – Chapter 161 Development Local Loan Ordinance – Chapter 162 Development Loans (United Kingdom Government) Act – Chapter 185 Italian Government Loan Act – Chapter 208 Development Loan Act – Chapter 213 Development Loan Act – Chapter 229 Local Loan Act – Chapter 329 Local Loan Act – Chapter 338 Local Loan Act – Chapter 346 Local Loan Act – Chapter 349 Local Loan Act – Chapter 357 Local Loan Act – Chapter 361 Local Loan Act – Chapter 366 Local Loan Act – Chapter 384 Local Loan Act – Chapter 388 Local and other Loans Act – Chapter 393 Local Loan Act – Chapter 401 Local Loan Act – Chapter 407 MARITIME LAWS Prisoners on Board Merchant Ships Ordinance – Chapter 21 Cargo Clearance and Transport Act – Chapter 203 Merchant Shipping Act – Chapter 234 Malta Freeports Act – Chapter 334 Oil Pollution (Liability and Compensation) Act – Chapter 351 Ports and Shipping Act – Chapter 352 Oil Pollution (Liability and Compensation) Act – Chapter 412 MEDIA LAWS Press Act – Chapter 248 Broadcasting Act – Chapter 350 Malta Film Commission Act – Chapter 478 MILITARY LAWS Exportation of Certain Articles (Prohibition) Ordinance – Chapter 24 Armed Forces of Malta Act – Chapter 220

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POLICE LAWS Code of Police Laws – Chapter 10 Police Licences Act – Chapter 128 Police Act – Chapter 164 PUBLIC INTERNATIONAL LAWS Consular Conventions Act – Chapter 144 Geneva Conventions (Appeals by Protected Persons) Act – Chapter 176 Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act – Chapter 191 Continental Shelf Act – Chapter 194 Emblem and Name of Unesco (Restriction of Use) Act – Chapter 198 Territorial Waters and Contiguous Zone Act – Chapter 226 Foreign Interference Act – Chapter 300 Ratification of Treaties Act – Chapter 304 Malta-Libya Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation (Ratification) Act – Chapter 311 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (Ratification) Act – Chapter 314 Malta-Libya Continental Shelf Delimitation (Ratification) Act – Chapter 316 Law of the Sea (Ratification) Act – Chapter 362 National Interest (Enabling Powers) Act – Chapter 365 Ratification of Chemical Weapons Convention Act – Chapter 392 Refugees Act – Chapter 420 Ratification of Treaties (Saint Angelo) Act – Chapter 429 International Criminal Court Act – Chapter 453 Fishing Waters (Designation) and Extended Maritime Jurisdiction Act – Chapter 479 Rome Convention on Contractual Obligations (Ratification) Act – Chapter 482 Malta-USA Ship-Boarding Agreements (Ratification) Act – Chapter 493 SOCIAL SECURITY LAWS Widows and Orphans Pensions Act – Chapter 58 Pensions Ordinance – Chapter 93 Members of Parliament Pensions Act – Chapter 280 Social Security Act – Chapter 318 SPORTS Prevention of Corruption (Players) Act – Chapter 263 Sports Act – Chapter 455

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STANDARDS Malta Standards Authority Act – Chapter 419 Metrology Act – Chapter 454 TOURISM LAWS Ministry of Tourism – Chapter 274 Malta Travel and Tourism Services Act – Chapter 409 TRANSPORT LAWS Petroleum (Importation, Storage and Sale) Ordinance – Chapter 25 Traffic Regulation Ordinance – Chapter 65 Traffic (Visibility) Ordinance – Chapter 67 Aircraft (Application of Laws) Ordinance – Chapter 80 Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) Ordinance – Chapter 104 Carriage of Goods by Sea Act – Chapter 140 Civil Aviation (Air Operators Certificates) Act – Chapter 218 Civil Aviation Act – Chapter 232 Carriage of Goods by Sea (Regulation) Act – Chapter 283 Malta Transport Authority Act – Chapter 332 Eurocontrol Act – Chapter 333 Civil Aviation (Security) Act – Chapter 353 Motor Vehicles Registration and Licensing Act – Chapter 368 Airports and Civil Aviation (Security) Act – Chapter 405 Code of Conduct for Computerised Reservations Systems Act – Chapter 434 International Carriage of Goods by Road Act – Chapter 486 Authority for Transport in Malta Act – Chapter 499 UNCLASSIFIED MISCELLANEOUS LAWS Code of Police Laws – Chapter 10 Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Ordinance – Chapter 46 Passports Ordinance – Chapter 61 Boatmen’s fees Act – Chapter 73 Utilities and Services (Regulation of Certain Works) Act – Chapter 81 Methylated Spirits Ordinance – Chapter 89 Public Libraries Ordinance – Chapter 92 Inflation of Prices (Prevention) Ordinance – Chapter 98 Tobacco Growing (Control of) Ordinance – Chapter 106 House of Representatives (Privileges and Powers) Ordinance – Chapter 113 Supplies and Services Act – Chapter 117

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Census Act – Chapter 118 Malta Government Savings Bank Ordinance – Chapter 167 Conservatorio Vincenzo Bugeja Arts and Crafts Ordinance – Chapter 173 Judicial Proceedings (Use of English Language) Act – Chapter 189 Prisons Act – Chapter 260 Electro-Magnetic Recording of Proceedings Act – Chapter 284 Building (Price Control) Act – Chapter – 288 Inferior Courts (Re-designation) Act – Chapter 340 European Communities (Establishment of Delegation) Act – Chapter 344 Private Guards and Local Wardens Act – Chapter 389 Security Services Act – Chapter 391 Co-operative Societies Act – Chapter 442 Commissioner for Children Act – Chapter 462 Dockyard and Shipbuilding Yard (Restructuring) Act – Chapter 466 Maltese Language Act – Chapter 470

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LAWS OF MALTA WHICH CAN BE REPEALED OR CONSOLIDATED IN OTHER LAWS

A – Typology of Legislation not Yet in Force Maltese Laws which have not been brought into force come in two types:

(a) Legislation which has been incorporated in the Laws of Malta (but not brought into force); and

(b) Legislation contained in Amending Acts. This legislation, when

brought into force, will amend the Laws of Malta. The information provided in this Appendix does not cover amending acts as per paragraph (b) above whilst the legislation provided in this Appendix which has not been brought into force in terms of paragraph (a) above is not a comprehensive list but by way of illustration. The Law Commission would have the necessary information. B – Laws Suggested for Repeal (Transitory Provisions might be Required) Acts of Parliament (Application) (Powers of Court of Magistrates) Ordinance – Chapter 11 Public Weighers Ordinance – Chapter 42 Lighting Control Ordinance – Chapter 95 Personal Injuries (Emergency Provisions) Ordinance – Chapter 111 Emergency Compensation Board (Transitional Provisions) Act – Chapter 126 Distribution of German Enemy Property Ordinance – Chapter 132 Distribution of German Enemy Property Ordinance – Chapter 139 Enemy Property Act – Chapter 179 Existing Laws (reprint) Act – Chapter 180 Animal Food and Feeding Stuffs Act – Chapter 183 Bearer Accounts Levy Act – Chapter 219. Bearer accounts have been abolished. It is good to check with the Central Bank of Malta whether this law is still needed. Employers Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act – Chapter 241 Marine Pollution (Prevention and Control) Act – Chapter 271. This law is no longer necessary in view of the Oil Pollution (Liability and Compensation) Act – Chapter 412 Public Curator Act – Chapter 299 Development Plan for Malta 1981-85 Act – Chapter 297 Tribunal for the Investigation of Injustices Act – Chapter 394

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C - Laws which can be Consolidated into Other Laws Coal (Sale) Ordinance – Chapter 7 (to be incorporated in the Metrology Act, Chapter 454 Cereals (Sale) Ordinance – Chapter 8 (to be incorporated in the Metrology Act, Chapter 454 Security of Communications Ordinance – Chapter 151. To incorporate in the Electronic Communications (Regulation) Act, Chapter 399. Commercial Partnerships Ordinance – Chapter 168. This law can be included in the Companies Act, Chapter 386. Malta Development Corporation Act – Chapter 202. This law can be included in the Malta Enterprise Act, Chapter 463 Swimming Pools (Control) Act – Chapter 244. This law can be included in the Development Planning Act, Chapter 356 War Damage (Repeal) Act – Chapter 289. This law can be incorporated in the Civil Code, Chapter 16 Supplies and Services (Criminal Proceedings) (Jurisdiction) Act – Chapter 306. This law can be incorporated in the Supplies and Services Act – Chapter 117. Controlled Companies (Procedure for Liquidation) Act – Chapter 383. This law can be incorporated in the Companies Act, Chapter 386 Notarial Acts (Temporary Provisions) Act – Chapter 408. This law can be incorporated in the Notarial Profession and Notarial Archives Act, Chapter 55.

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APPENDIêI VIII

Concerns and Proposals of the Office of the Commissioner for Children

forwarded to the Commission on Justice Reform

May 2013 Introduction The law offers the highest form of protection of human rights through the administration of justice, on a national, community and international level, by the government. The protection of the rights of children is afforded and guaranteed through strong laws and policies which safeguard such rights, as laid down in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Thus, this document offers an overview of the present legal state, and addresses what is lacking and therefore required, in order to strengthen the protection of children’s rights. This document is not, nor is it intended to be exhaustive, in its analysis of the present scenario concerning children’s rights, and the legal remedies required. Proposals for Legal Amendments:

A. Civil Code

i. Article 86 ‘ Acknowledgement of children conceived or born out of

wedlock’

Removal of the first proviso to article 86, namely: “A child conceived or born out of wedlock may be acknowledged by the father and the mother, either jointly or separately: Provided that where the person acknowledging himself to be the father of the child is a minor the acknowledgment is null.”

ii. Article 285 ‘Children Born at Sea’ To be amended so that children of immigrants born at sea on unregistered vessels are registered at the first port of call.

iii. Article 272 ‘Persons bound to give notice of birth of child’- Enforcement of registration of children “In the case of every child born, it shall be the duty of the father and the mother, and in default of both, of the physician, surgeon, midwife, or any other person in attendance at the birth, or in whose house the birth has taken place, to give, within fifteen days of such

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birth, notice thereof to the officer charged with the duty of drawing up the act of birth”. In the event of failure of registration, such persons who are legally obliged to do so should face legal consequences.

iv. ‘The right to be heard’

• Article 6A. (1) “In case of any disagreement either spouse may apply to the competent court for its assistance and the presiding judge, after hearing the spouses and if deemed opportune any of the children above the age of fourteen years residing with the spouses, shall seek to bring about an amicable settlement of such disagreement”.

Article 6A should be reworded to include all children capable of

understanding the meaning of what they are saying.

• Article 66 I (2) OF DIVORCE ‘Powers of the Court’

“...the court may, where it considers it necessary to do so, either on its own initiative or upon the request of the mediator or of one of the spouses: (a) appoint a children’s advocate to represent the interests of the minor children of the parties, or of any of them; and (b) hear the minor children of the parties, or any of them, where it considers it to be in their best interest to do so”

Article 66 I (2) should be reworded in order for the right of the child to

be heard in all cases that concern him or her - such as disputes concerning parental authority, separation or divorce of parents – to be automatic and independent. Such right to be heard should not depend on the discretion of the court, or the request of the parents or mediator.

• Article 56 ‘Custody of the children after separation’

In the case of separation, Article 56 speaks of decisions by the Court

being taken based on the “paramount consideration being the welfare of the children”, but no mention is made of the child having an automatic right to be directly heard in court. The child should be given the right to request a child advocate and the role and office of the child advocate should be further defined and strengthened. While children should not be given incentives to go to court, their participation is crucial in the case of proceedings in which they are involved.

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This amendment would further respect the principles of the UNCRC on the right of the child to ‘be provided the opportunity to be heard in any judicial and administrative proceedings affecting the child…’ (Article 12 UNCRC).

v. Shift of focus from Parental Authority to the concept of Parental Responsibility. Maltese laws are very much based on Parental Authority, and the Office of the Commissioner for Children would like to see a shift of focus from Parental Authority to Parental Responsibility.

vi. ‘Reasonable chastisement’, Article 154 (1) (a) – When parent may be deprived of parental authority Article 154 (1) (a): “if the parent, exceeding the bounds of reasonable chastisement, ill-treats the child, or neglects his education”. The term ‘Reasonable chastisement’ should be qualified for the purposes of this article, so as not to include corporal punishment, or any other act referred to in the Domestic Violence Act (Article 2, Chapter 481 Laws of Malta).

vii. Adoption The Office of the Commissioner for Children feels that children above the age of 14 should be given the option to request information about their biological parents, even in cases where there is no consent given by the adoptive parents.

B. Criminal Code

i. Minimum Age Criminal Responsibility (MACR) Article 35 ‘Minors under 9 years’ to be amended, so that minors MACR is 14, as held in Bill 97, the Various Laws (Criminal Matters) (Amendment) Act, 2011.

"Without prejudice to the powers of the Minister under the Children and Young Persons (Care Orders) Act, a minor under fourteen years of age shall be exempt from criminal responsibility for any act or omission."

Article 36 ‘Minors under fourteen but over nine years acting with discretion’ to be deleted, as held in Bill 97, the Various Laws (Criminal Matters) (Amendment) Act, 2011.

ii. Mischievous Discretion Article 37 to be substituted as follows as held in Bill 97, the Various Laws (Criminal Matters) (Amendment) Act, 2011.

"37. (1) The minor under sixteen years of age shall also be exempt from criminal responsibility for any act or omission done without any mischievous discretion.

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(2) In the case where the act or omission is committed by a minor who is aged between fourteen to sixteen years of age with mischievous discretion and in the case where the minor is aged between sixteen and eighteen years, the applicable penalty shall be decreased by one or two degrees."

iii. Article 17 ‘Concurrent offences and punishments’ Article 17(b) which concerns the computation of punishment for concurrent offences should not be invoked in cases involving the commission of an offence involving minors, on more than one minor on a repeated basis, such as carnal knowledge with violence, indecent assault, defilement of minors, or inducing persons under age to prostitution, among others. The commission of the offence of carnal knowledge with violence for instance committed on one child is clearly not the same as having the offence committed on more than one child on separate occasions and on a continuous basis. The Office proposes a change to the law, similar to the recent legal amendment made in the case of traffic accidents.

iv. Article 247A ‘Ill-treatment or neglect of child under 12 years’ Article 247A (2) “For the purposes of Sub-article (1), ill-treatment includes neglecting the child’s need for adequate nutrition, clothing, shelter, and protection from harm, persistently offending the child’s dignity and self-esteem in a serious manner and persistently imposing upon the child age-inappropriate tasks or hard physical labour”. Article 247A (2) should be amended to add education as a ground of ill-treatment, together with neglecting clothing, nutrition, shelter, protection from harm, among others, in the case of a person having the responsibility of a child under 12 and if found guilty is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years. The Office of the Commissioner for Children would also like to change the age of 12 to at least 16, to reflect compulsory school age. As things stand today, when children of compulsory school age do not attend school without a just reason, their parents or guardians are summoned to appear before a tribunal and are fined if they are found to be in breach of their legal obligation to send their child to school. However, if such persons fail to appear before the tribunal, or if the fine remains unpaid, no further legal action is taken. Furthermore, the Office of the Commissioner for Children does not believe that a good solution lies in tying this to the children’s allowance, as this will only result in having poorer children in our society, as they will suffer more in the long run.

v. Article 203 (3) ‘Complaint of injured party’ – in the case of Defilement of Minors to institute proceedings

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The Office of the Commissioner for Children proposes the removal of the complaint of the injured party to institute proceedings in the case of defilement of minors.

vi. Of the Powers and Duties of the Executive Police in respect of Criminal Prosecutions (Book Second. Part 1, Title 1) In view of the fact that that the Office advocates for minors not to stand as co-accused before the ordinary court, but rather before the Juvenile Court (as explained hereunder in further detail in Section C), an amendment should be made for the Executive Police to be stripped of their authority to summon minors to appear before the ordinary court when they are co-accused with adults, for the sake of compilation of evidence.

vii. Article 355AT ‘Right to Legal Advice’ The Office would like to propose an amendment in the case of minors when arrested and held in police custody at a police station or other authorised place of detention. Such minor shall, if he so requests, be allowed as soon as practicable to consult privately with a lawyer or legal procurator, in person. Thus, in the case of minors it is imperative that legal consultation is done in person and not by telephone. Furthermore, in the case where more than one minor is arrested, each minor should be given legal advice by a lawyer which should not simultaneously represent other persons involved in the case.

viii. Article 574A ‘Proceedings where a person is first brought before Court of Magistrates.

In the case of a minor who is charged or accused, and is brought before the Court, a provision should be made so that minors are to be granted bail. It should also be made mandatory in the law, for charges in the name of minors to be accompanied by a tailor-made report concerning the psycho-social conditions of the accused minor, which is drawn up by professionals in the field.

C. Juvenile Court Act (Cap.287) i. Article 2 Definition of “child or young person”

The definition of child or young person presently reads a person under the age of 16. This should be amended to read 18 to be in conformity with the definition of child or minor contained in other Acts.

ii. Minors who are co-accused should be heard before the Juvenile Court.

To delete Article 6 (3): “the Juvenile Court shall not be competent to hear charges against, or other proceedings relating to, a child or young person

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who is charged jointly with any other person not being a child or young person”. This amendment implies that minors should NEVER stand as co-accused.

D. Children and Young Persons (Care Orders) Act (Cap.285)

This needs to be wholly and closely examined, updated and re-worded, to include wider child protection measures. This will also give us the opportunity to codify existing laws under a principal act. It should also provide for the execution, implementation and monitoring of the Services and to provide for specialised services. Some areas which require attention are for instance the provisions that are now covering children in out of home care, to also include voluntary placements. Children under a care order should not be placed under the responsibility of the Minister, but rather under the responsibility of a specifically entrusted and designated body. Children under the age of 5 not living with his or her biological parents, should be placed in foster care, rather than in an institution, as research shows, such as that commissioned by the Office of the Commissioner for Children, titled ‘Children in Out-Of-Home Care in Malta’, written by Prof. Angela Abela et al.

E. Arms Act (Cap. 480) i. Addition of new article 55A:

'55A. (1) No person shall sell, or offer for sale, toys in the shape of firearms, arms proper, ammunition or knuckle dusters. (2) Whosoever shall contravene the provisions of sub-article (1) shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine (multa) of not less than twenty-five euro and not more than four hundred and fifty euro. (3) The provisions of article 41 and 64 shall not apply in relation to offences under this article.'

As provided for in Bill 45, the Various Laws (Criminal Matters) (Amendment) Act, 2010.

F. Malta Armed Forces Act (Cap. 220) Article 6 (4) "appropriate minimum age" means the age of seventeen years and six months. This should be amended to read 18 years to meet UN requirements, namely the Optional Protocol on Children in Armed Conflict which Malta ratified on the 9 May 2002.

G. Protection of Minors (Registration) Act (Cap. 518) The Office of the Commissioner for Children believes that the law should also include a provision concerning foreign convicted offenders, who are placed on such a register in their own country of residence, and who intend on or have taken up residence in Malta,

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so as to also have these individuals added to the Offenders Register. Following the enactment of this law, the Office of the Commissioner for Children has received a number of requests from foreign jurisdictions concerning foreign convicted offenders intending to reside in Malta, and the law is silent on who should be informed and on the procedure of how such an offender is to be placed on the register. With regards to voluntary workers, it is unclear whether student workers, who for instance are offered a placement over the summer periods, are to be included. The law is also silent on the vetting of the employer himself. The Office is also concerned that the law is not retroactive and that the Court has too much discretion when choosing whether to insert an offender on the register or not.

H. Code of Police Laws (Cap. 10) Minors and Alcohol Article 316F is to be amended, so that the legal age to consume alcohol is raised to 18 in line with most other countries. An amendment should also be made so that the sale of Butane Gas to minors is made illegal. Butane Gas, which is often sold in a canister form, is commonly abused of as an inhalant/recreational drug among minors. Furthermore, minors are NOT to stand as co-accused in a trial before the court.

I. Bring into force of Teen Parties Regulations and amendments to Subsidiary Legislation 10.40 (Maintenance of Good Order at Places of Entertainment),as drawn up under the direction of the Office of the Commissioner for Children.

J. Incorporation of UNCRC into Domestic Law

The Office of the Commissioner for Children calls for the incorporation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into domestic legislation. A draft Act and memo had been presented to the Minister in 2012. Advice from AG is still pending.

K. Employment To consider inserting a provision in the Employment and Industrial Relations Act with regards to the minimum age of employment. The Office of the Commissioner for Children believes that rather than stating that education is compulsory until the age of 16, and thus by default the minimum age of employment automatically kicks in at 16, there should be a new provision stating that a minor when employed should have at least completed Form V.

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L. The Commissioner for Children Act (Chapter 462 Laws of Malta) This should be reviewed after having been in force for the past ten years.

M. Press Act(Chapter 248 Laws of Malta)1

Provisions are to be added for the protection of minors, as found in the Broadcasting Code for the Protection of Minors (S.L. 350.05).

N. Subsidiary Legislation 441.07 Trading Licences Regulations Regulation 30 (3):

“(3) No commercial activity from fixed places by hawking or selling from fixed places or by any other means shall be carried out:

(e) in the precincts of any school”. The term ‘precincts’ of any school must be defined clearly, specifying the

distance and area, so as to avoid misunderstanding which has already occurred.

Second Schedule (13): “The sale from street hawkers or the sale from any vehicle or in the vicinity of a

school is prohibited except the sale of ice-cream or catering units”. The term ‘vicinity’ must be defined clearly, specifying the distance and area. The

term “vicinity”, if defined, could perhaps serve well to avoid any possible misunderstanding as to what is deemed to be in the vicinity of a school or otherwise.

The term ‘catering units’ is also ambiguous and is to be clearly defined in the

law.2

O. General Concerns: Furthermore the Office of the Commissioner for Children calls for a more age appropriate and child-friendly manner by which children are heard in court. All professionals dealing with children should receive professional training. The requirement of Mediation should be eliminated if it is proved that parties have been separated de facto for a substantial number of years and there is no hope that they will get back together.

1 This matter has been forwarded to DG Commerce and will be discussed in the near future (July

2013) with the involvement of the Education Division and the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Department, who jointly were responsible for drawing up the HEALTHY EATING LIFESTYLE PLAN (known as the HELP document).

2 The HEALTHY EATING LIFESTYLE PLAN contains a list of prohibited items, including pastizzi, doughnuts, chocolates, fried food, and also ice-cream (page 31). However, regulation 13 of the Second Schedule allows the sale of ice-cream and other undefined items through catering units.

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Police interrogations involving minors should be as brief as possible so as not to be intimidating or cause further trauma or anxiety to the child. It is to be guaranteed that a parent/guardian/social worker is present to ensure that the best interest of the child is respected. Clear guidelines should be developed in cases where parental consent is required or not, particularly in the medical field, as well as in cases where consent of one parent is sufficient. The Department for Social Welfare Standards (DSWS) is to be given legal personality to be able to enforce standards related to all services for children. The standards concerning the safety of children in play areas, as established by the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority, should be incorporated in a legal vehicle, and should also include regulations for mobile indoor play facilities. With regards to unaccompanied migrant children, the Office of the Commissioner for Children advocates for the introduction of a legal provision so that all children, whether their age has been verified or whether they are still awaiting assessment for such age verification, are to be kept in a child friendly environment, separate from adults. Conclusion In conclusion, the Office of the Commissioner for Children will be pleased tomeet the Commission on Justice Reform to discuss the issues highlighted in this document further.

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APPENDIêI IX

Kummenti u Proposti tad-Dipartiment tal- Probation u l-Parole għall-Ewwel Dokument ippreparat mill-Kummissjoni għal Riforma Ħolistika fil-Qasam tal-Āustizzja Dawn li āejjin huma l-kummenti u s-suāāerimenti miābura mid-Dipartiment tal-Probation u l-Parole (DPP) li huma bbaŜati fuq il-prattiëi u l-esperjenzi tal-istess uffiëjali tad-dipartiment, kif ukoll fid-dawl tal-implimentazzjoni tal-liāi l-ādida dwar il-Āustizzja Riparatriëi, kif ukoll id-direttivi u l-leāislazzjoni applikabbli tal-Unjoni Ewropea fil-kamp tal-āustizzja. Għal kull materja, id-DPP qed jagħti r-rakkomandazzjonijiet tiegħu:

1. Dewmien f’diversi proëessi a) Waħda mid-diffikultajiet illi regolarment jiffaëjaw l-uffiëjali tad-DPP huwa l-ħafna ħin Ŝejjed li wieħed ikollu jqatta’ āewwa l-Qorti, u dan minħabba dewmien ta’ smiegħ tal-kawŜi li fuqhom l-istess Ufficjali jridu jagħtu x-xhieda tagħhom. Ikun hemm ukoll drabi fejn wara tul ta’ dewmien fil-kuridur tal-Qorti l-uffiëjali jiāu nfurmati fl-aħħar minuta illi l-kawŜa āiet differita. Għal dan il-għan qed jiāi rrakkomandat li jsir pjan/struttura fejn jiāu allokati ħinijiet differenti għal kawzi li jkunu ser jinstemgħu fid-data tas-seduta. Filfatt din is-sistema diāa tiāi ppratikkata minn uħud mill-āudikanti. Ikun utli ferm illi d-DPP ukoll ikun jista’ jutilizza is-servizz ta’ text messaging proposta f’numru sebgħin tal-imsemmi dokument. b) Diffikultà oħra hija d-dewmien tas-sentenzi li jaslu d-DPP. F’ëertu istanzi l-uffiëjali jsibu s-sentenzi online qabel ma dawn jaslu āewwa d-DPP. Konsegwenza ta’ dan tināibed l-attenzjoni tad-Deputat Reāistratur u s-sentenzi jaslu aktar tard. Madanakollu, jkun hemm sentenzi li la jkunu online u li lanqas jaslu āewwa d-DPP. Ikun hemm drabi fejn id-DPP jiāi mgħarraf bis-sentenza mingħand il-probationer stess. B’riŜultat ta’ dan, l-uffiëjal tal-probation ma jkunx jista’ jibda’ jwettaq id-dmirijiet tiegħu minnufih hekk kif tgħid il-li āi. Ma dan il-punt għandu jingħad ukoll illi sfortunatament ikun hemm kaŜijiet fejn id-DPP jirëievi biss in-notifika tal-Ordni mgħotija, mingħajr l-ebda ħjiel dwar ir-reat li tkun wettqet il-persuna. Huwa ferm importanti li l-kaŜijiet li ji āu riferuti għand id-DPP ikollhom is-sentenza annessa magħom. Din hija proëedura essenzjali għad-DPP sabiex il-kaŜ ikun jista’ jiāi mqassam għand Uffiëjal tal-Probation mingħajr dewmien. Id-DPP jisħaq li wasal iŜ-mien li tiāi introdotta End-to-end management system. Din is-sistema, li kien diāa inbeda x-xogħol fuqha mill-MITA, għandha twassal biex dawk kollha li jaħdmu fil-qasam tal-offender management ikollhom aëëess

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għall-informazzjoni li tkun utli fil-qadi ta’ dmirijiethom. Din is-sistema għandha l-vantaāā ukoll ta’ nuqqas ta’ skariāā u āiri ta’ karti, billi d-dokumenti jkunu kollha “online”. ë) Il-problema ta’ dewmien, teŜisti wkoll f’kaŜ ta’ denunzji li jsiru minn uffiëjali tal-Probation, fejn numru ta’ denunzji ilhom pendenti għal Ŝmien twil, saħansitra snin. B’riŜultat ta’ dan l-Uffiëjal tal-Probation jispicca jitla’ l-Qorti regolarment sabiex jagħti l-andament fuq il-probationer, iŜda s-sentenza ħafna drabi tibqa’ tiāi differita. Soluzzjoni għal din il-problema tkun li jiāi stipulat Ŝmien li fih id-denunzja trid tiāi finalizzata u b’hekk tingħata sentenza adekwata. d) Soluzzjoni oħra li qed tiāi proposta sabiex titnaqqas il-problema tad-dewmien b’mod āenerali hija li issir simplifikazzjoni tal-proëeduri kriminali kif ukoll li tiāi esplorata l-possibiltà li meta persuna jkollha diversi kaŜijiet pendenti, dawn jināabru quddiem āudikant wieħed. Dan għandu jnaqqas id-dewmien filwaqt li jkun jista jsir pjan ta’ rijabilitazzjoni b’mod ħolistiku. 2. Dipenalizzazzjoni u dekriminilizzazzjoni Għandha tiāi esplorata l-possibiltà li tiŜdied ukoll, mal-miŜuri ta’ dipenalizzazzjoni u d-dekriminilizazzjoni, l-miŜura ta’ diverŜjoni fejn isir smiegħ minn awtoritajiet amministrattivi iŜda bil-possibiltà li jgħaddi għall-prosekuzzjoni kriminali f’kaŜ li ma jiāux rispettati l-kundizzjonijiet stabbiliti. L-introduzzjoni ta’ “drug courts” huwa biss eŜempju wieħed, madanakollu importanti, li jista’ jservi bħala mod aktar effettiv ta’ kif jistgħu jiāu trattati persuni bi problema tad-droga. Din hija sistema li kellha riŜultati tajbin, f’pajjiŜi oħra, fejn diāa qed tiāi implimentata. Għalhekk, id-DPP, jappoāāa din l-inizjattiva b’mod sħiħ. 3. Sentenza SospiŜa a) Qed issir riferenza għall-miŜura mija u dsatax li fiha qed jiāi propost illi s-sentenza ta’ priāunerija sospiŜa ma’ tibqax tiāi applikata għal kaŜijiet ta’ sejbien ta’ ħtija għal reati involontarji. Importanti li jiāi aëëennat illi jeŜistu wkoll kaŜijiet li l-istat tal-individwu jkun affettwa l-imāieba li tkun ikkawŜat l-aāir illegali tiegħu, anke jekk dan ikun sar b’mod involontarju. B’hekk, il-possibilita’ li tingħata sentenza sospiŜa m’għandhiex tkun marbuta mal-volontarjetà, o meno, ta’ reat. Għaldaqstant, qiegħed āentilment jiāi ssuāerit li meta tiāi identifikata l-ħtieāa għar-riforma u riabilitazzjoni, għandu jibqa’ jkun hemm il-lok li tingħata sentenza sopiŜa. b) Fir-rigward ta’ miŜura mija u għoxrin, id-DPP qiegħed jagħmel riferenza għall- DeëiŜjoni Qafas tal-Kunsill 2008/947/ĀAI tas-27 ta’ Novembru 2008 dwar l-applikazzjoni tal-prinëipju ta’ rikonoxximent reëiproku ta’ sentenzi u deëiŜjonijiet li jinvolvu probation bil-ħsieb ta’ sorveljanza ta’ miŜuri ta’ probation u ta’ sanzjonijiet alternattivi. Din id-DeëiŜjoni Qafas, isservi biex tkopri persuni barranin sentenzjati mhux fil-pajjiŜ fejn jgħixu s-soltu, u b’hekk m’huwiex neëessarju illi persuni barranin jiāu eskluŜi mill-possibiltà illi jingħataw sentenza sospiŜa. Għandu wkoll jitqies il-fatt illi mhux ma’ kull kaŜ ta’ sentenza sospiŜa tingħata ordni ta’ superviŜjoni permezz tal-artiklu 28G.

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ë) Qed issir riferenza ukoll għall-miŜura mija u wieħed u għoxrin fejn qed jiāi propost illi titneħħa l-fakultà akkordata lill-qrati li jastjenu milli jagħmlu ordni biex is-sentenza sospiŜa tibda sseħħ jew biex jestendu t-terminu tal-perjodu operattiv tas-sentenza sospiŜa. Id-DPP huwa tal-opinjoni illi filwaqt illi jaqbel ili l- astensjoni jew l-estensjoni m’għandhix issir b’mod frekwenti, għax b’hekk jista’ jintilef l-iskop tas-sentenza sospiza, madanakollu jeŜistu wkoll kaŜijiet eëëezzjonali li fihom l-astensjoni jew l-estensjoni tal-perjodu operattiv huma utli u għaldaqstant āustifikati. 4. Pre-Sentencing Reports mill-Uffiëjali tal- Probation a) Id-DPP jixtieq jitfa’ dawl fuq diffikultà li jiltaqa’ magħha, sfortunament ta’ spiss fir-rigward ta’ meta jiāi ppreŜentat Pre Sentencing Report, Social Inquiry Report jew Verbal Report, skont il-kaŜ. F’numra ta’ istanzi l-Uffiëjal tal-Probation jitla’ sabiex jippreŜenta wieħed mill-imsemmija rapporti u minħabba xi raāuni jew oħra, fosthom li ma jkunx deher l-imputat, l-Uffiëjal ma jkunx jista’ jippreŜentah. B’konsegwenza ta’ dan, minn darba għall-oħra ikollhom isiru emendi fir-rapport li jkun diāà āie konkluŜ. Għalhekk huwa ferm inkonvenjenti meta uffiëjal jintalab li jsir rapport f’qasir Ŝmien, u minkejja din l-urāenza, l-istess rapport xorta jispiëëa ma jiāix ippreŜentat u l-Uffiëjal tal-Probation f’kull seduta jkollu jemendah. Bħala soluzzjoni għal din il-problema id-DPP qiegħed jirrakomanda li l-Uffiëjal tal-Probation ikollu ë-ëans li jippreŜenta dan ir-rapport fir-Reāistru Kriminali, taħt āurament u jekk jinħass il-bŜonn jitla’ jixhed hekk kif ikun mitlub mill-Qorti. b) Problema oħra li tista’ tiāi allaëëjata mal-problema preëedenti hija li jeŜistu kaŜijiet fejn wara li jkun āie ppreŜentat Pre Sentencing Report jew Social InquiryReport, f’ëertu drabi l-Uffiëjal tal-Probation jispiëëa jiāi mitlub biex jagħti x-xhieda tiegħu fuq il-kaŜ wara xi erba’ snin jew saħansitra anke aktar. Qed jiāi ssuāāerit li l-imsemmija rapporti jiāu ppreŜentati fir-reāistru tal-Qorti taħt āurament, bħal kull dokument ieħor. Il-āudikant b’hekk ikollu r-rapport fil-proëess qabel id-data tas-seduta kif ukoll li d-differimenti tal-kawŜa ma jsirux daqshekk spissi. Soluzzjoni oħra tkun illi jiāi stipulat Ŝmien li fih għandha tingħata sentenza. 5. Uffiëëju tas-servizzi tal-Probation āewwa l-bini tal-Qorti a) Id-DPP qiegħed jipproponi li jiāi allokat uffiëëju fil-bini tal-qorti. Dan l-uffiëëju jkun ta’ benefiëëju ferm għaliex dan jgħin isolvi l-problema ta’ dewmien Ŝejjed il-qorti, peress illi l-uffiëjali jkunu jistgħu jagħmlu xogħol ieħor waqt l-istennija tas-smiegħ tal-kawŜa. Apparti dan kollu, dan l-uffiëëju jservi wkoll sabiex ikunu jistgħu jiāu introdotti servizzi ta’ Ufficjal tal-Probation li jkun stazzjonat āewwa l-Qorti, sistema illi diāa tinħadem b’mod effettiv f’pajjiŜi oħra fosthom l-Ingilterra. b) Qed jiāi propost ukoll li d-DPP ikollu uffiëëju āewwa l-Faëilita’ Korrettiva ta’ Kordin u dan sabiex l-uffiëjal tal-Probation ikun jista’ jaqdi d-dmirijiet tiegħu b’mod effiëjenti fejn jidħol il-priāunier u dan bl-implimentazzjoni tal-parole fejn l-uffi ëjal ikun irid jagħmel intervisti lil priāunier.

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6. Sentencing Policy Id-DPP jaqbel illi l-konsistenza fuq l-amministrazzjoni tal-pieni hija nieqsa u għaldaqstant sentencing policy hija meħtieāa. Id-DPP jixtieq wkoll iressaq punt importanti li jirrigwarda l-għoti ta’ ordni ta’ probation u l-applikazzjoni tas-sentenza sospiŜa. Il-liāi minnha nnifisha (art. 6(1), Kap. 446), tipprovdi sabiex rapport ta’ qabel is-sentenza (pre-sentencing report) jiāi kkumissjonat mill-Qorti sabiex issir rakkomandazzjoni dwar jekk persuna hix idonea sabiex tingħata sentenza ta’ ħabs, sentenza sospiŜa jew ordni ta’ probation u ordni ta’ superviŜjoni. Sistema elettronika ta’ end to end offender management imsemmija fir-rakkomandazzjoni 1b aktar ‘il fuq tiffaëilita dawn ir-rapporti. Permezz ta’ dawn ir-rapporti l-ħati jkun jista’ jiāi meqjus b’mod aktar ħolistiku. Bidla li tista’ tgħin hija li, fin-nuqqas ta’ ammissjoni mill-imputat, is-sejbien ta’ ħtija tiāi ddikjarata qabel is-sentenza anke fil-Qorti tal-Maāistrati sabiex tali rapporti jkunu jistgħu jitħejjew mhux biss meta jkun hemm ammissjoni. 7. Taħri ā lill-i stakeholders kollha L-importanza li jingħata taħriā varjat lill-persuni kollha konëernati, fis-sistema tal-āustizzja kriminali ta’ Malta, ma tista’ qatt tiāi enfassizata biŜŜejjed. Għaldaqstant, id-Dipatiment jixtieq jissuāerixxi illi jing ħata taħriā ukoll dwar sistemi āodda, bħall-Āustizzja Riparattriëi, lill- āudikatura, staff tal-Uffiëëju tal-Avukat Āenerali, lill-āuristi u lill-istaff tal-Qorti kollu li jiāi f’kuntatt dirett u indirett mal-vittmi. Ikun siewi wkoll illi kieku il-prosekuzzjoni pubblika u l-avukati wkoll jingħataw dan it-taħriā. 8. Approë Ħolistiku Id-DPP jixtieq iāib għall-attenzjoni tal-Kummissjoni inizjattiva illi ħa, li hija dik li tiāi introdotta sistema elettronika ta’ end to end offender management. Qiegħed ukoll fil-proëess li jfassal qafas operattiv għal sistema ta’ partnership imsejħa ‘Framework for a Multi-Agency Risk Management System (MARMS)’ ara Rakkomandazjoni 11 aktar ‘l isfel. Is-sistema ta’ networking, b’mod ħolistiku, għandha l-benefiëëju li tista’ tintuŜa mhux biss fil-konfront ta’ priāunieri, iŜda wkoll persuni ħatja li jkunu taħt forma ta’ piena alternattiva għall-priāunerija. Tali sistema tiābor fiha l-entitajiet kollha li l-għan aħħari tagħhom hu l-protezzjoni tal-pubbliku. 9. End-to-End Offender Management System (electronic system) Qed jigi rakkomandat li l-qafas ta’ din ir-riforma tiffoka wkoll fuq l-aspett ta’ riabilitazzjoni. Dan ifisser li l-bŜonnijiet tal-kriminal għandhom jiāu bilanëjati mar-riskji li dan jista’ joffri lil vittmi u l-kommunita’, li finalment ikun aktar ta’ benefiëëju lis-soëjeta’ b’mod āenerali. Dan jista’ jsir permezz tar-riformi proposti li ikunu ikkonëentrati fuq rijabilitazzjoni bħal partnerships u “end-to-end offender management system” li jiāi nkorporat fih il-“common offender database” li jista’ jiāi aëëessat minn diversi entitajiet li jkollhom livelli differenti ta’ aëëess. Din is-sistema tikkontribwixxi biex tiffaëilita’ l-immaneājar ta’ min iwettaq ir-reat kemm āewwa istituzzjonijiet kif ukoll āewwa l-kommunita’ b’mod aktar ħolistiku. 10. Āustizzja Riparatri ëi Id-DPP jixtieq jirrileva li d-dokument ma jagħmel l-ebda referenza għall-kunëett ādid fil-qasam tal-āustizzja kriminali, għall-Āustizzja Riparatriëi, liema kunëett

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iddaħħal fis-sistema Maltija permezz tal-Att dwar il-Āustizzja Riparatriëi (Kap. 516). Ta’ min isemmi li l-Āustizzja Riparatriëi (ĀR) hi bbaŜata fuq il-kunëett li f’kull reat kriminali hemm tliet partijiet li jrid jittieħed kont tagħhom u tal-ħtiāijiet tagħhom, u ëioe’: min wettaq ir-reat, il-vittma tar-reat, u s-soëjetà in āenerali. L-istess liāi daħlet dispoŜizzjonijiet āodda għall-implimentazzjoni tal-Parole u tal-għajnuna lill-vittmi. Sabiex ikun hemm għarfien minn dawk kollha involuti, inkluŜ is-soëjetà, qed tiāi proposta strateāija ta’ implimentazzjoni li tinkludi:

• l-organizzazzjoni ta’ konferenza nazzjonali għal dawk kollha nteressati fil-qasam tal-ĀR, fejn tiāi diskussa l-liāi, kif ukoll kif l-entitajiet kollha involuti (bħall-Qrati, is-Servizzi Korrettivi, is-Servizzi tal-Probation u l-Parole, il-Pulizija, eëë) jeħtieā jikkordinaw il-ħidma tagħhom flimkien. Din il-konferenza tista’ sservi wkoll sabiex ikun hawn għarfien aħjar tal-kunëetti u l-prinëipji tal-ĀR u kif dawn ifisru riforma fil-ħsieb u fit-tħaddim tal-āustizzja kriminali;

• l-organizzazzjoni ta’ seminars informattivi u korsijiet regolari, fejn jiāu diskussi materji konnessi mal-implimentazzjoni tal-ĀR, fosthom eŜempji ta’ prattiëi tajbin u ta’ prattiëi ħŜiena, li għalihom jattendu l-istakeholders kollha nvoluti direttament, fosthom il-āudikatura;

• kampanja edukattiva tal-pubbliku, fosthom għat-tfal tal-iskejjel; • il-ħatra ta’ kordinatur (preferibbilment) fil-Miniseru tal-Intern, sabiex

iservi ta’ xprun u punt fokali. 11. Proposta għat-twaqqif uffi ëjali u appoāā lill- Multi Agency Risk

Management System (MARMS) Partnership u Networking bejn l-entitajiet kollha involuti fl-amministrazzjoni tal-āustizzja kriminali, kif indikat fid-Dokument pā. 45, mhux biss hu importanti “ħalli la jkun hemm replikazzjoni u duplikazzjoni ta’ servizzi u lanqas mankanza ta’ għoti ta’ servizzi lill-priāunieri”. L-inizzjattiva meħuda mid-DPP għat-twaqqif ta’ pjattaforma ta’ sħab involuti fl-immaniāājar ta’ min iwettaq reat għandha l-għan li āāib flimkien id-Dipartimenti u aāenziji kollha involuti, kemm dawk governattivi kif ukoll dawk mhux governattivi, sabiex:

(a) jippromwovu l-involviment tal-kommunità; (b) ikunu utilizzati aħjar ir-riŜorsi disponibbli; u (ë) joffru ħarsien u protezzjoni lill-istess soëjetà billi jagħtu attenzjoni

speëjali lil dawk il-persuni li huma ta’ riskju kbir fis-soëjetà. Għal dan il-għan id-DPP beda l-ewwel passi għat-twaqqfi tal-Multi-Agency Risk Management System (MARMS) billi għamel workshops kemm f’Jannar u f’April 2013 lill-istakeholders kollha sabiex jispjega u jippromwovi t-twaqqif ta’ dan in-networking. Sabiex din l-inizjattiva, li tidher li ntlaqgħet tajjeb ħafna mill-istakeholders kollha, tirnexxi, jeħtieā li jkollha l-appoāā mhux biss tal-ministeru responsabbli mill-Intern u l-Āustizzja, iŜda wkoll mill-Uffiëëju tal-Prim Ministru, sabiex juri l-impenn li l-entitajiet governattivi kollha jaħdmu flimkien bl-inqas xkiel bl-għan ewlieni jkun il-protezzjoni tas-soëjetà kollha.