Humanitarian
DIPLOMACY Michelle Rees looks at how the Sovereign Order of Malta acts to serve the poor, sick and victims of conflicts in neutral, impartial and apolitical ways.
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he Sovereign Order of Malta has many features that make it unique, and one of the most surprising attributes is its sovereign status. This is significant given it has retained sovereignty with a limited territorial base – Rhodes in 1310 and then Malta until 1798 – but with an influence inversely proportional to the size of its rights-of-way. The Order of Malta has experienced a marked intensification of diplomatic relations in recent years, however the relevance, need and purpose of these relations are not well understood. Humanitarian aid is no longer just a matter of last-minute emergency rescuers. Operational means alone, such as logistics and resources for the delivery
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of aid, are no longer sufficient to ensure the long-term success of humanitarian action. Humanitarian diplomacy is an invaluable tool for mediation, peace and reconstruction. The Order of Malta’s diplomatic relations Today, the Sovereign Order of Malta has bilateral diplomatic relations with 110 states and the European Union. It also has permanent observer status at the United Nations, its specialised agencies, and the main international organisations. The diplomatic activity of the Sovereign Order of Malta is distinct from that of nation states. It has another dimension and other aims. Having no longer a territory to defend, economic or trade interests
to promote, the Order of Malta does not position itself in international conflicts. Instead, it acts to promote ethical and spiritual values, which have guided it for nearly a thousand years through its charitable works, especially in the medical, social and humanitarian fields, and in emergency situations. It does not pursue any economic or political goal and does not depend on any other state or government. It is always neutral, impartial and apolitical. The scope of its diplomatic relations The humanitarian activities of the Order of Malta around the world are largely facilitated by the existence of its diplomatic network, which strengthens the relationships with the governments of the
2019 Australian Hospitaller
