The UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disability is an all-encompassing document that should encourage all governments to implement its measures for their people. During the past week I have been fully engaged at the Ninth Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention, held at the UN Headquarters in New York. Malta’s participation in this conference was a clear indication that the disability sector is close to the Government’s heart and, on behalf of the Maltese government, I was proud to detail the numerous initiatives we have taken in the disability sector.

Our silent revolution

On Friday, I had the honour of chairing a most engaging side-event with special focus on the autism spectrum. The round-table conference for ‘Building an Inclusive Rights Agenda for Autistic Adults’ was hosted by the Government of Malta, in collaboration with the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network. Delegates could appreciate that Malta is rightfully proud to be amongst the first countries in Europe to have enacted legislation – earlier this year – that specifically mandates the acceptance of autism within society.

The way the government has laid out its disability policy, principles and strategy measures is the legacy that is being embedded in our social welfare system, ensuring that we do not have people with disability who are struggling, pleading and begging for rights. We now have in place universally designed organisations and configurations that ensure equity and a fair society for everyone.

Malta is witnessing a silent revolution in this sector. We also guarantee that we have communities that encourage equity and non-discrimination and that our social structures ensure that the necessary changes are in place and closely monitored. The dignity of each person, and the recognition of their abilities and their contribution to society, is crucial.

The freedom of each individual to pursue their own aspirations remains fundamental and we are working to establish the ability for each person to participate actively as a full member of society.

From services to legal rights

In the last two years, Malta has shifted its focus from simply providing services at residential and community level to delivering a legislative package never before witnessed in this sector, as evidenced by the long list of initiatives taken over the last few months.

We have proposed new legislation and amended or enacted specific laws to ensure that the rights of people with disability are applied and applied. The principles of equality, equity and inclusion, embedded in a framework of human rights, are what guides our way forward.

In all my three major interventions at the UN this week I reiterated the government’s commitment in the disability sector which, apart from the UN CRPD recommendations, includes specific initiatives that are tailor-made for Malta. During bilateral talks with my counterparts from other countries, I received requests to share our experience and results for others to learn from and be guided by in similar measures they intend taking. In itself, this further proves that the bold steps we have taken are judged by other, larger, countries to be the correct way forward in implementing social justice and securing human rights for everyone – converting disabilities into abilities and opportunities. 

Social cohesion is basic

This Labour Government is constantly focused on promoting social cohesion by ensuring that the welfare of everyone is safeguarded, and our efforts are directed at minimising disparities and avoiding polarisation. We remain focused on the UN CRPD as a beacon to give us direction. Social cohesion is created through the creation of mutually supportive communities of free individuals pursuing these common goals by establishing democratic principles.

What we have achieved during in recent months is conducive to what we have to accomplish in the years to come. We are moving towards the concept of inclusive communities so that people with a disability have the ultimate choice of what they want for themselves, with less state intervention. National policies and standards are in place, and are being implemented through long-term strategies in every initiative taken by my Parliamentary Secretariat, in collaboration with other relevant entities and agencies.

Our five-year Disability Strategy will represent a new milestone in the sector that lays out a plan to make the necessary changes. It recommends almost 80 inter-ministerial measures aimed at eradicating poor health, lower levels of participation in education and civil society, a lack of training and employment, social exclusion, inaccessibility, bullying, discrimination and poverty.

A solid legislative framework

We have, for the first time, created a Commissioner for Disability enabling more powers to ensure effective enforcement. However, the most significant and transforming element is embedding the UN CRPD as part of Malta’s legislation. Our constant efforts are being directed towards ensuring that this sector is part of the mainstream. 

Above all, the government is leading by example in to ensure that disability is back on the national agenda. Never have we seen in our country so much enthusiasm to get things done! 

This government remains committed to ensuring that our agencies are providing focused, good quality community services together with a spectrum of residential services. The human rights element remains pivotal, as our goal is a situation in which a person with disability can have autonomy and independence and can assume complete control over his or her life.

Genuine seeds for good harvest

The revival and enforcement of a 60-year old law on employment has already shown very encouraging results within the short span of a few months, with hundreds of people with disability achieving independent living through secured employment. This is not simply a token gesture for these people, as we have directed our energies towards what really leads to employment: employability. The Learning Hub in Gozo, and the hard work put by the KNPD, the ETC, Aġenzija Sapport and the MCA, are tangible proof of what the government means through its strategies. 

With these credits in hand, I felt proud representing Malta among hundreds of ministers and delegates at UN headquarters last week. Governments come and go, but sowing the seeds of what is reasonable and just augurs a rich harvest of fairness and equality to everyone.