Between the 25 and the 27 of January I led a parliamentary delegation to Krakow on an invitation by the European Friends of Israel. This year it was commemorating the 65th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Auschwitz and Birkenau camps. Millions of Jews, and not only Jews, were killed in these camps, which we had the opportunity to visit during our two-day stay in Poland. We also participated in a symposium organised with the purpose of remembering the atrocities that happened when so-called human beings acted so irresponsibly on other human beings and decided to exterminate these people because of their origin.

The twentieth century had regaled the world with so much progress and achievements in all spheres and at all levels. During the past century, we had witnessed, as never before, the emergence of a new political class shunning the ideological entrenchment of the past, the rapid growth of robust economies that contributed in no small way to the well-being of so many people, scientific advancement that added value to human life, and technological progress that brought down barriers globally. However, throughout these years, such historic achievements were marred by the heinous crimes committed against humanity.

There is a saying which goes “the past is a mirror of the future”. The first decade of the 21st century, while continuing with the progress achieved thus far, was mainly characterised by the war on terror. While we cannot neglect the distress, misery and loss of life that natural disasters inflict on our societies, terrorism remains our prime concern in securing a stable and peaceful future that encompasses all peoples, no matter what their nationality, colour or creed. To defeat this global phenomenon we need a global response, a response that, first and foremost, finds long-lasting equitable solutions to problems that continue to create division, misery and hatred regionally and internationally. It is time to turn words into deeds. It is time to extend our hand of friendship where enmity exists, time to raise hope where misery reigns, time to remember, yes, but time to forgive.

The parallels I have drawn demonstrate in no uncertain manner that human nature remains what it is. And this is the reason why the world should organise itself better to deal with the issue of total disarmament. Our modern world has to stop an arms race which is continuously on the move. There exists no more place for the production of weapons of mass destruction. It will only lead us into tunnels of no return. We have to drop the ‘might is right’ dictum if we ever want to hand over a more secure and peaceful world to future generations. Otherwise, we risk going round the full circle and create that dreadful environment that preceded the two World Wars that brought so much misery and bloodshed in the past century.

As Henry Friedman, Chairman of the Holocaust Education Centre in Washington said: “We are all different; because of that, each of us has something different and special to offer and each and every one of us can make a difference by not being indifferent.” If we remain indifferent to these acts and others similar to these, then the risk of history repeating itself will be higher.

Another issue to remember

The European Union dedicated this year to combating poverty and social exclusion. In Malta last week a conference was organised to inaugurate this year. A staggering 60,000 people in Malta are at risk of poverty. This amounts to 14 per cent of the Maltese. Of course, with these figures this is another issue to remember and, furthermore, to act upon immediately.

Three ingredients which are crucial in combating poverty are work, education and the welfare state. These ingredients were mentioned by the Leader of the Opposition during a question and answer session during last week’s Partit Laburista annual general conference. During this session Joseph Muscat answered a number of questions on different subjects including the issue of those who are at risk of poverty. We know that some of these are even under the poverty line and we know this through our day to day contacts. Of course these cannot be seen unless one enters their homes. Let’s face it, it is not something nice to mention but reality is what it is and we should not ignore this fact.

The government has a primary role to play in all this, but the government cannot act on its own; it also needs the support of the people who are at risk as well. A number of these are in this situation because they lack initiative and feel comfortable enough not to work. However, most of those at risk are not like this minority. They need our help and attention. I believe that in today’s society it is unacceptable to have so many people at risk of poverty, and it is our duty to do something tangible to help these people integrate in our society as well.

Carmelo Abela

Deputy Speaker &

Labour Main Spokesperson for Industry and Foreign Investment

Email: [email protected]