Dr Helena Dalli, Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties won the prestigious Hero of the Year Award during the 6th edition of the European Diversity Award that was held in London last night. Among those nominated in the various categories were Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, and Italian Undersecretary of State Ivan Scalfarotto.
The ceremony which took place in the London Museum of Natural History, was attended by over 500 participants working in the field of equality and diversity across Europe, and amongst others Minister Dalli received congratulations from officials from the Office of the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights and the Council of Europe.
The award is given to politicians, journalists, athletes, companies and publishing houses that act as trailblazers in the enhancement of equality in European society.
In her acceptance speech Minister Dalli said that we must work hard so that the advancements made will not get undone, referring to the particular point in time we are living in where threats to equality are increasing. She also pointed out that democracy must never become a tyranny of the majority and attention to minorities should be high on the agenda of every government.
On the national level, finishing touches on the Equality Bill and a Human Rights and Equality Commission Bill aimed at mainstreaming equality for all persons in all spheres of life are now underway – after a wide consultation process - with the intent of presenting the Bills to Parliament shortly.