EAPN Malta just released a new report on poverty and inequality in Malta, which is based on the results of focus groups meeting which were organized during June and July 2008. The uniqueness of this research project is that the participants in the focus groups were not NGO or agency representative, but those persons themselves who face inequality and are at risk of social exclusion.
This report has three main parts: the first part provides a brief discussion of social inclusion, solidarity, social cohesion, the open method of coordination and access to services. The second part raises the question of who are the poor in Malta and links with groups most at risk. It also presents the challenges faced by the socially vulnerable, their satisfaction, if any, with service provision, and finally their recommendations and salient needs. The report concludes with a discussion that is of particular relevance to policy makers and civil society.
