The Malta Federation of Organisations Persons with Disability has urged the new Government to move quickly from political promises to concrete action, saying persons with disabilities in Malta continue to be left out of decisions that directly affect their lives.

In a statement issued following the recent election, MFOPD President Marthese Mugliette said the disability sector could no longer accept symbolic commitments or consultation exercises that do not lead to real change.

The federation said that, despite repeated pledges on inclusion, equality and participation, many persons with disabilities still face barriers in education, employment, independent living and access to essential services.

"For too long, persons with disabilities have been promised inclusion and equality, and participation. Yet the reality on the ground continues to fall short," the MFOPD said.

The federation warned that the sector is not only experiencing stagnation, but in some areas also regression.

It said decisions affecting persons with disabilities are still too often taken without their meaningful involvement, despite Malta's obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

MFOPD said the principle of "Nothing About Us Without Us" must be treated as a legal and moral obligation, not as an optional slogan.

Inclusion, it said, should not depend on pressure from NGOs or on consultations carried out as a formality.

The organisation called on government to ensure that persons with disabilities are systematically involved in all decision-making processes affecting them. It also urged authorities to align all policies and legislation with the UNCRPD and introduce clear accountability mechanisms to ensure implementation.

MFOPD said inclusive education must be properly resourced, while employment barriers should be removed and replaced with accessible, supported and sustainable opportunities.

It also called for services to be designed in a way that protects dignity, autonomy and choice, adding that accessibility should be treated as a fundamental right rather than an afterthought.

"Rights delayed are rights denied," the federation said, adding that the continued gap between policy rhetoric and the lived reality of persons with disabilities is no longer acceptable.

MFOPD said a truly inclusive Malta is one where persons with disabilities are central to shaping decisions from the outset, rather than being consulted only when convenient.

The federation said it remains ready to work constructively with Government and all stakeholders, but insisted that progress must now be measured through real change rather than intentions.

"The time for symbolic commitments has passed. The time for delivery is now," MFOPD said