The National Youth Council of Malta (KNŻ) has called for the Government of Malta to stop considering its received invitation to join US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace and reject it immediately.
On Monday, Prime Minister Robert Abela told the Parliament of Malta that the Maltese government is currently contemplating its membership into the Board of Peace in light with the “national interest,” even if this may not align with the European Union’s position as the USA-Greenland saga is still ongoing, aside from other political differences.
The National Youth Council declared that “Malta’s national interest is served by a foreign policy grounded in international law, credible multilateralism, and the protection of human rights” and that “A mechanism established outside the United Nations framework, without clear legal basis, transparent oversight, or inclusive representation of those most affected, risks weakening, rather than strengthening, international peace and security.”
KNŻ has therefore not only appealed for the Maltese Government to abandon its considerations to join the Board of Peace, but it is also calling for Malta to reaffirm its commitment towards the United Nations system, international law, and human rights-based diplomacy.
It mentioned that during a time where international law continues to be undermined, it is imperative for Malta to support the existing structures within the UN Security Council, which has the authority to adopt binding decisions on matters related to peace and security worldwide and “no other body has an equivalent legal basis to do so.”
“At a time when international law is being undermined, Malta must not contribute to the erosion of the UN Charter, including the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity,” KNŻ issued.
In addition, KNŻ that as “catastrophic human suffering in Gaza and continued serious allegations of violations of international humanitarian law, Malta must not lend legitimacy to initiatives that sidestep established international mechanisms” – reiterating the importance to respect the UN Charter, compliance with international law, and centre peace architecture in Gaza around the wellbeing of the Palestinian people.
Resultantly, KNŻ is also appealing for Malta to uphold Palestinian people’s right to freedom and self-determination, as well as “support credible, inclusive peace efforts that respect international humanitarian law.”
The National Youth Council raised concern that Trump’s Board of Peace does not feature Palestinian representation while including political leaders and states associated with grave human rights concern, especially when the Board’s first mission is to facilitate the peace plan for the Gaza Strip and its reconstruction.
KNŻ added that Malta, especially as a neutral state, “should not associate itself with arrangements that risk normalising impunity or diluting international legal standards.”
“Malta is a constitutionally neutral state and has a longstanding commitment to multilateralism,” KNŻ stated, “These principles should guide Malta’s approach: strengthening international institutions, supporting lawful and inclusive diplomacy, and contributing to peace efforts that are legitimate, accountable, and rights-based, not ad hoc structures driven by geopolitical interests.”
It concluded its statement with a reminder to public officials that peaceful protests are a democratic right protected by the Constitution of Malta and the European Convention on Human Rights.
“Public discourse on foreign policy must respect civic space and the legitimate concerns of people, especially young people, who expect Malta to act consistently with its values and legal commitments,” the National Youth Council said.