Helena Dalli & Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley
On 16 November, the world community observed the 19th International Day for Tolerance, recognising universal human rights and fundamental freedoms for all individuals. While we are reminded of the security and human rights implications of intolerance (which often takes the form of stigma, discrimination and even violence), this day also provides an opportunity for reflection on the road ahead towards a society that fully values each and every one of its members. We need to achieve important public health objectives and impact, especially for those groups living on the margins of many societies.
The governments of the United States and Malta are committed to promoting respect for human rights and fighting intolerance, discrimination and marginalization. Tolerance permits vulnerable people greater access to the services and protection they deserve and are entitled to. They are less likely to be targeted for violence and discrimination. This said, tolerance is only a starting point and not an objective in its own right.
Eliminating stigma and discrimination is critical towards ensuring that all people are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve, including LGBTI individuals, migrants, people with disabilities, the elderly, and the poor.
This year, we are focusing on health issues, in particular achieving an AIDS-free generation. Tolerance makes possible the provision of access to care for people who are at high risk of either acquiring or transmitting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Among other groups, this includes men and women trapped in commercial sex work; men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender persons; and people who inject drugs. Their improved health is an important part of improved health for us all. Programmes and policies must recognise that eliminating stigma and discrimination is critical to ensure that all people feel safe accessing HIV/AIDS care and treatment services. Programmes that treat people with dignity and respect will have the greatest impact. Any intolerance that creates barriers for vulnerable groups from accessing essential services can lead to considerable loss of life. Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect.
In recent years, Malta introduced legislation which enshrined the rights of the LGBTI community. As President Barack Obama recently declared, "The struggle to end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons is a global challenge, and one that is central to the United States' commitment to promoting human rights."
The US Embassy and the Maltese government are partners in efforts to integrate migrants into society and turn a difficult experience into a positive one for both migrants and their adopted homeland. Migrants must be aware of public services available in order to benefit from them. Female migrants whose education and traditions may inhibit them from using the full range of health services are at a disadvantage. They may feel health care providers cannot understand their needs and health problems go untreated, resulting in poor health and even death. Neglected health issues also strain the public health care system when individuals are then required to use the emergency services for primary health care needs.
The United States and Malta continue to demonstrate their global commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms for people with disabilities. We applaud the significant paradigm shift, urging equal protection and benefits for all individuals and reaffirming the inherent dignity and independence of the millions of people living with disabilities worldwide.
Today, we celebrate the skills, achievements, and contributions of people with disabilities worldwide. We recognise the progress the world has made toward equality for all, and we rededicate ourselves to ensuring that individuals with disabilities can fully participate in society. Every child deserves a decent education, every adult deserves equal access to the workplace, and every nation that allows injustice to stand denies itself the full talents and contributions of individuals with disabilities.
We must remember the importance of equality for women and issues that affect them. Women still suffer the majority of sexual assaults in the world. Public health systems must welcome and assist survivors of sexual assaults, or many cases will go unreported out of fear and shame. Survivors regularly face severe physical and mental health issues that require long-term access to public health. We cannot stand by and let half the population suffer in silence.
As we reflect on the contribution of the International Day of Tolerance, we pledge to continue to embrace diversity and reject discrimination in all its forms. We strive for equality of opportunity and accessibility for all. Let our efforts remind us that when we work together, we can build a world free of unnecessary barriers and include every member of our international community.
Dr Dalli is Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties
Ms Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley is US Ambassador to Malta