Malta

Interpretative statement and reservation made upon signature:

       "(a)   Pursuant to Article 25 of the Convention, Malta makes the following Interpretative Statement - Malta understands that the phrase "sexual and reproductive health" in Art 25 (a) of the Convention does not constitute recognition of any new international law obligation, does not create any abortion rights, and cannot be interpreted to constitute support, endorsement, or promotion of abortion.  Malta further understands that the use of this phrase is intended exclusively to underline the point that where health services are provided, they are provided without discrimination on the basis of disability.

       Malta's national legislation, considers the termination of pregnancy through induced abortion as illegal.

       (b)   Pursuant to Article 29 )a) (i) and (iii) of the Convention, while the Government of Malta is fully committed to ensure the effective and full participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life, including the exercise of their right to vote by secret ballot in elections and referenda, and to stand for elections, Malta makes the following reservations:

       With regard to (a) (i):

       At this stage, Malta reserves the right to continue to apply its current electoral legislation in so far as voting procedures, facilities and materials are concerned.

       With regard to (a) (iii):

       Malta reserves the right to continue to apply its current electoral legislation in so far as assistance in voting procedures is concerned."

Interpretative statement made upon ratification:

       “[…] Pursuant to Article 25 of the Convention, Malta makes the following Interpretative Statement – Malta understands that the phrase “sexual and reproductive health” in Art 25 (a) of the Convention does not constitute recognition of any new international law obligation, does not create any abortion rights, and cannot be interpreted to constitute support, endorsement, or promotion of abortion. Malta further understands that the use of this phrase is intended exclusively to underline the point that where health services are provided, they are provided without discrimination on the basis of disability.

       Malta’s national legislation considers the termination of pregnancy through induced abortion as illegal.”

Reservations made upon ratification:

       “[…] Pursuant to Article 29 (a) (i) and (iii) of the Convention, while the Government of Malta is fully committed to ensure the effective and full participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life, including the exercise of their right to vote by secret ballot in elections and referenda, and to stand for elections, Malta makes the following reservations:

       With regard to (a) (i):

       Malta reserves the right to continue to apply its current electoral legislation in so far as voting procedures, facilities and materials are concerned.

       With regard to (a) (iii):

       Malta reserves the right to continue to apply its current electoral legislation in so far as assistance in voting procedures is concerned.”

Malta

13 March 2025

With regard to the reservations made by Bhutan upon ratification:

       “The Government of the Republic of Malta has carefully examined the reservations made by the Kingdom of Bhutan upon ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (the “Convention”), regarding paragraph l (a) and paragraph 2 of Article 18, paragraphs l (b) and (c) of Article 23, paragraph l (c) of Article 27, and section (a)(ii) of Article 29 of the Convention.

       The Government of the Republic of Malta considers that, contrary to the purpose of the Convention, “to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity”, this reservation restricts the full and equal enjoyment by persons with disabilities of certain human rights and fundamental freedoms outlined in the Convention.

       The Republic of Malta objects to the reservation as being incompatible with the object and purpose of the Convention, and consequently impermissible pursuant to Article 46(1) of the Convention and Article 19 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.

       This objection shall not preclude the entry into force of the Convention between the Republic of Malta and the Kingdom of Bhutan.”