Following the recent election, the Malta Federation of Organisations Persons with Disability (MFOPD) is calling on the new Government to ”move immediately from political commitments to concrete action on the rights of persons with disabilities in Malta,” insisting that ”persons with disabilities must no longer be left behind.”

The MFOPD argued that ”for too long, persons with disabilities have been promised inclusion, equality, and participation. Yet the reality on the ground continues to fall short. Decisions affecting their lives are still too often taken without their involvement, and policies continue to be developed without meaningful co-production. ”

Marthese Mugliette President of the Federation, stressed that this is not aligned with Malta’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

She stated that the MFOPD is ”deeply concerned that, instead of progress, the disability sector is experiencing stagnation and, in some areas, a clear regression.”

”Many persons with disabilities are reporting that they feel increasingly excluded from decision-making processes that directly affect their education, employment, independent living, and access to services. This is unacceptable in a modern democratic society committed to human rights,”she added.

Ms Mugliette also stressed that ”inclusion cannot depend on pressure from NGOs or periodic consultations carried out as a formality. It must be embedded as a standard way of governing. The principle of Nothing About Us Without Us is not optional – it is a legal and moral obligation under the UNCRPD.”

MFOPD said that it therefore urged the new Government ”to demonstrate, without delay, that it truly recognises persons with disabilities as equal citizens” by ensuring that:

persons with disabilities are systematically and meaningfully involved in all decision-making processes affecting their lives;

all policies and legislation are aligned with the UNCRPD, with clear accountability mechanisms for implementation;

inclusive education is strengthened and properly resourced to ensure real participation at all levels;

employment barriers are actively removed and replaced with accessible, supported, and sustainable opportunities;

services are designed and delivered in ways that protect dignity, autonomy, and choice; and

accessibility is treated as a fundamental right, not an afterthought.

MFOPD emphasised that ”rights delayed are rights denied. The continued gap between policy rhetoric and lived reality is no longer acceptable. Persons with disabilities must not remain at the margins of society, nor be treated as a separate category to be consulted only when convenient.”

Ms Mugliette insisted that ”a truly inclusive Malta is one where persons with disabilities are not only present in discussions but are central to shaping decisions from the outset. Anything less represents a failure to uphold fundamental human rights.”

She concluded by saying that ”MFOPD stands ready to work constructively with Government and all stakeholders. However, we are equally clear that progress must now be measured in real change, not intentions. The time for symbolic commitments has passed. The time for delivery is now.”

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