The 3rd of December marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Its annual observance was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly.

This year’s theme is ‘United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities.’

The Malta Federation of Organisations Persons with Disability (MFOPD) explained that the day is about promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disability at every level of society and development and to raise awareness of the situation of persons with disability in all aspects of their lives.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by all world leaders in 2015. The 2030 Agenda is a universal plan of action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) must be implemented in all countries, the MFOPD said.

Inclusion is at the core of the 2030 Agenda with not only a pledge to “leave no one behind” but also an agreement “to reach the furthest behind first.”

The 2030 Agenda commits to empowering people at risk of vulnerability, including persons with disabilities. 2030 promotes universal respect for human rights, equality, and non-discrimination (European Disability Forum).

The MFOPD said that the Malta Country Report 2023 states that “Although overall Malta performs well on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), challenges remain in environmental sustainability and inequalities.” “Challenges for persons with disabilities remain in various SDGs.”

MFOPD stated that it went through the SDGs and is of the opinion that “Malta is not faring well” in the following SDGs which include persons with disabilities:

Goal 1 – No poverty: Goal 3 – Good health and well-being: Goal 4 – Quality education: Goal 5 – Gender equality: Goal 7 – Affordable and clean energy: Goal 8 – Decent work and economic growth: Goal 10 – Reduces inequalities: Goal 17 – Partnership for the goals.

It noted that “there is a shared responsibility for these goals to be achieved by 2030. Each one of us must shoulder this responsibility. “To reach the furthest behind first” should not only be paid lip service to the statement but, most importantly, to do it.”

Halfway through the time bracket of the SDGs, witnessing the present situation with regards persons with disabilities, MFOPD said that it “thinks that it is very improbable that by 2030, persons with disabilities will be enjoying peace and prosperity in accordance with the aims of the SDGs.”

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