On World Down Syndrome Day, the Nationalist Party is calling for more support and dignity.

People have always been at the heart of the PN's political vision, a statement signed by MP Graziella Galea said.

It has always been the PN's policy to ensure that every person has the best opportunities to reach their full potential especially in health, education, and employment.

"Improve Our Support Systems" is this year's chosen theme for World Down Syndrome Day, commemorated on 21st March. In a world that is advancing rapidly through technology, we now have more resources than ever before; resources that not long ago were unavailable to us.

This means the tools are there. We have no excuse for why persons with different needs should not be given better opportunities to reach the fullest of their abilities, the PN said.

As a society, we must keep this in mind every day, but today in particular we raise more awareness and consciousness about the rights and dignity that must be granted to every individual, especially those with Down Syndrome, the PN said.

This year's theme calls for better support for persons with Down Syndrome. Every person has a right to adequate support from society. This right helps enable the fulfilment of other rights. Every person has different support needs, but we must ensure that support is provided according to those needs so that each individual is given choice, control, and dignity. Families too need support.

There are still far too many persons with Down Syndrome who are not receiving the support they require, and we still have systems that fail to respect the rights of persons with disabilities. Social exclusion remains far too common, affecting entire sections of our society including persons with disabilities.

The government has the resources to improve these support systems so that everyone is included within the community, the PN said.

We must work towards better inclusivity by increasing opportunities and removing barriers for every individual, especially those who face greater challenges in reaching their goals.

No one should feel excluded. Together, we must work to create a better world for everyone. We must look at diversity as a means through which every boy and girl, every adult regardless of their age has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

The PN said it values the great work of all those who, in one way or another, contribute to better integration within society, and thanks them for their efforts. Parents, relatives, educators, professionals, the Malta Down Syndrome Association, and other organisations working with these individuals and advocating for their rights all deserve our full support.

This year's theme is a challenge in itself. It is a challenge for all of us to ensure that every possible right is accessible to all. It is our duty to improve support systems. In this regard, the Partit Nazzjonalista commits itself to ensuring that every person in our country receives the best possible support, so that no one is left behind.

The PN said it believes we must work hand in hand to continue improving the quality of life for persons with Down Syndrome. Let us be the voice of those who are not always heard so that everyone feels like a valued part of our society.