As part of the Universal Periodic Review held by the UN’s Human Rights Council on Malta, a report has been submitted by the National Youth Council (KNZ) in collaboration with the European Youth Forum.

KNZ said that this is a process which involves the periodic review of the human rights records of the United Nations’ Member States.

Recommendations were put forward on primarily three topics; sexual health, mental health and accessibility to rights.

With regards to sexual health, the Council has recommended that there should be a standardised, holistic national policy on sexual education which is both formal and non-formal.

It has also recommended more investment in sexual health clinics and services as well as facilitating free self-testing.

On the subject of Mental Health, the Council recommended that mental health services should be integrated into mainstream hospitals, so as to avoid isolation and tackle the issue in a holistic manner.

Also made was a call for standardised guidelines concerning primary, secondary and tertiary education. As well as a call for further awareness on the provision of services in all levels with the educational system, the Council said.

The Council and Youth Forum, on accessibility to rights, have recommended that an independent human rights institution is established as well as the establishment of a Commission on Youth Rights within the Ombudsman Office is taken into consideration.

They also recommended that the rule of law and good governance are ensured in order to better protect and promote human rights and freedoms.

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