In a statement, the foundation said intolerance in society is experienced by anyone who does not conform to the ‘norms’ expected by society. Among the endless list of victims of intolerance, such categories include substance misusers, disabled people and people with a past criminal behaviour.

However, on this particular occasion, the foundation appealed for tolerance towards those refugees seeking our shores and aiming for a better future. Of particular importance is the fact that Malta is currently giving a home to about 50 refugee children who are not accompanied by their parents.

It is a particularly traumatic experience for children to be on their own in a foreign country. However, most of them are doing well and are well cared for. This is social solidarity at its best and the Maltese society has to be acknowledged for this. These children deserve the respect and support they are being shown, especially by other Maltese children and youths.

Learning to live together and appreciating each others’ rich cultures builds social cohesion, brings down barriers that divide people and enhances peace, the foundation said.

The Maltese public has already shown solidarity, cooperation and kindness when an appeal for donations was issued in the last couple of months. This shows that tolerant behaviour is present but is something that we continuously need to work for particularly through open dialogue on such issues and allowing persons, having other views, the time for understanding, the foundation concluded.