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Description
This project is based on the concept of citizen-oriented democracy which provides opportunities for individuals to exercise their rights in a democratic nation. Its aim is to create a social platform that brings together activities, events, and social activism initiatives.
This will occur through the development of a mobile web application that will be designed to ensure ease of access to other aspects of the project that include educational programmes focused on human rights, democratic values, and the importance of active citizenship.
This project is timely within the context of several legal and economic international watchdogs warning Malta about issues with its legal and judicial frameworks and its grey listing by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) which has left major ripples in Malta’s political and civilian climate.
The project shall be implemented through the following components:
- Activity 1: The project promoter shall offer educational/informational materials and training courses to develop citizen journalism and human rights awareness, among other skills.
- Activity 2: The project promoter shall create a civic action forum: a web-based citizen alert feature that will serve to strengthen the capacity of civic voices, empower the general public to advocate for policy priorities, good governance, respect for human rights and democratic principles. Furthermore, the project promoter shall develop an online tool to provide informative materials and a chat/email-based service. Topics covered will be research-based advocacy, gathering of public opinion data, media literacy, monitoring of respect of human rights and democratic principles, equality, development of legislation, etc.
- Activity 3: The project promoter shall provide professional support and practical assistance through an Advisory Board of Experts which will be available to individuals and organisations needing the support.
Summary of project results
This project was carried out within the context of several legal and economic international watchdogs warning Malta about issues with its legal and judicial frameworks and its grey listing by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) which left major ripples in Malta’s political and civilian climate.
It aimed to address citizens’ lack of education on human rights, civil rights and the functioning of a democracy by providing them with opportunities to familiarise themselves with the concepts of active democracy and exercise their rights in a democratic nation.
A social platform was created through the project that brought together activities, events, and social activism initiatives that included educational programmes focused on human rights, democratic values, and the importance of active citizenship.
Online panel discussions were held on the role of civil society and shrinking newsrooms that helped develop citizen journalism and human rights awareness skills. CSOs and post-secondary students were also provided with media literacy training.
Professional support and practical assistance on advocacy initiatives was provided to individuals and organisations needing support through an Advisory Board of Experts. Expert advice was also given to CSOs who wished to compile submissions to the 2024 EC Rule of Law report.
This project contributed to increased media literacy skills among citizens and increased awareness of human rights, democratic values and the importance of active citizenship. It also resulted in practical support to CSOs and individuals undertaking advocacy initiatives.