Prime Minister Joseph Muscat today told the 72nd session of the General Asembly of the United Nations that Malta can serve as a beacon of political courage that inspires other countries around the world.
Speaking in New York, Muscat mentioned how the current administration had worked to reduce poverty and strengthen equality.
“We base our policies on four overarching principles: social mobility, social justice, equality and unity. Just today we have learnt that in Malta less people are at risk of poverty, following a drive by our government to distribute fairly the proceeds coming from sustained growth. This is an achievement which is as dear to us as our record setting economic growth and minimal unemployment levels. This is exactly what we work for, our raison d’etre, which we describe as prosperity with a purpose.”
Muscat said a prosperous future needs to be accompanied by an inclusive society. “People who live in fear or are oppressed or discriminated against cannot realize their potential and are not at peace. Malta seeks to lead by example, seeking to have equality as a hallmark of our legacy.
We have put human rights, equality and the empowerment at the forefront of our political agenda, and in particular on the priority issues of LGBTIQ rights and gender equality.
We redefined marriage to grant full equality and a fair gender neutral essence. All this has been complemented by amendments to our Constitution to protect against discrimination on the basis of ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender identity’. These individual choices should be as significant as the colour of one’s eyes.”
“The economic and political empowerment of our citizens, regardless of their gender is a priority for us,” he continued. “We have been gradually introducing measures to help reconcile work and familial responsibilities. We are proud to be the only European country to provide universal free childcare to all working people, an initiative which has liberated the potential of so many women in our society. We want to ensure more gender-balanced political representation coupled with recent initiatives to increase youth participation by lowering voting age in general and European elections from 18 to 16, after already lowered voting age in local elections.”
“Malta, despite its small size, can now serve as a beacon of political courage that inspires others to introduce concrete measures and reforms. Everyone must feel empowered in today’s society. The protection of marginalized and vulnerable persons is a must if we are to strive for an inclusive world. The UN is pivotal in all this. It must continue to spearhead, sustain and mobilize the international community as we journey along this ambitious path to 2030.”
Muscat also spoke about migration and human smuggling, and insisted that a global effort was needed. “As a Member State of the European Union, Malta is part of a wider European response to tackle human trafficking networks in the Mediterranean Sea. However, national and even regional action is insufficient without a global response.”
“Malta welcomes the progress registered on the development of a global compact on Migration. This should, yes, reaffirm States’ sovereign right to decide their immigration policies, but it should also commit States to build migration systems and institutions that operate in a timely manner so that migrants are treated fairly and with dignity; protect migrants’ human rights and create awareness against exploitation and modern slavery; and lead campaigns against xenophobia whilst providing support for the integration of long-term migrants.”
“Purposeful and systematic action by multi-stakeholders, at all levels and across all strata is crucial if the ensuing benefits are to be felt by the people in all the corners of the world. The UN is the prime mobilizer and anchor of international peace, security and stability has a quintessential role to play, if we are to secure a peaceful, sustainable and a better world for all.”