PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR JUSTICE AND REFORM OF THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR Minister Attard addresses the launch of an international project aimed at strengthening People-Centred Access to Justice

Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector Jonathan Attard, addressed the launch of an international project aimed at strengthening People-Centred Access to Justice, organised by the OECD and funded by the European Union. The event, held in Malta, brought together distinguished guests and experts from various countries to discuss the importance of a judicial system that prioritises the needs of individuals.

In his speech, Minister Attard welcomed those in attendance and expressed gratitude to the representatives of the OECD and DG Reform for their invaluable insights and support in enabling Malta to host this international dialogue. He acknowledged the presence of international guests from Ireland, the Netherlands, and Italy, as well as participants who joined online.

Minister Attard described the strategic vision of the Ministry for Justice, which aims to improve the effectiveness and accessibility of the judicial system. He emphasised the Government's commitment to strengthening mediation and arbitration services, as well as legal aid. This strategic vision is designed to address the key challenges facing the judicial system, prioritising the need to keep people at the centre of the judicial process.

The Minister detailed the significant investments made over the past two years, resulting in the largest judiciary body in Malta's history. He also addressed the need for improved governance structures within justice institutions to further enhance accountability and transparency. He noted ongoing efforts to strengthen the operational capacity of the Legal Aid Agency and the implementation of a digital justice strategy aimed at simplifying processes among justice entities.

The Minister referred to ongoing reforms, including the establishment of a commercial court and the introduction of specialised Inquiry Magistrates. He stressed the importance of respecting the principles outlined in the European Convention on Human Rights, particularly the necessity for justice to be delivered in a timely manner, which is crucial for maintaining public trust in the legal system.

Minister Attard highlighted the Ministry's commitment to participatory decision-making, citing examples of extensive consultations with stakeholders in the reform for More Effective Justice for Drug Victims and the reform of the Family Court. He emphasised the importance of involving the public in discussions to ensure that reforms address the specific needs of those facing obstacles in the judicial system.

Access to justice was also a central theme of the Minister's speech, with an emphasis on eliminating barriers for vulnerable populations, including victims of domestic violence and the elderly.

Minister Attard expressed confidence that the project launched at the event would provide Malta with the necessary tools to advance its people-centred approach to justice. He thanked all international partners for their support and guidance in this vital journey towards a more inclusive and accessible judicial system.