On the occasion of the International Human Rights Day, the Parliamentary Secretariat for Equality and Reforms highlighted the historic achievements in human rights in Malta and marked the tenth anniversary since the establishment of the Human Rights Directorate.
During a press conference, the Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms, Rebecca Buttigieg, listed what she said was an extensive series of reforms carried out over the past decade that have strengthened respect for human rights. Foremost among these were the civil rights granted to LGBTIQ+ individuals, through which Malta has ranked at the top of the European classification for ten consecutive years, as well as other significant advancements in the field of gender equality.
Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg stated that these reforms positioned Malta among the leading European countries. She referred to the equality index published this month by the European Institute for Gender Equality, which recognised the substantial progress achieved since 2015, describing it as the most notable improvement recorded among European Union member states.
“We dismantled the walls of conservatism and built bridges towards a modern and progressive society. We worked tirelessly because we wanted every person in Malta and Gozo to feel valued with full dignity, which is the right of every human being,” stated Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg.
She recalled that the Human Rights Directorate was established ten years ago to serve as a catalyst for reform and to ensure that human rights remain central to the Government’s policies. She added that further work continues to be carried out in pursuit of a more just society, referencing the various strategies currently being implemented to further strengthen human rights.
On this occasion, Parliamentary Secretary Buttigieg launched a publication entitled “Championing Human Rights”, containing a series of articles by key figures who helped advance major reforms in the field of human rights. She noted that these articles demonstrate that when we work together for just causes, even a change in mentality is possible.
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