The Civil Society Committee (CSC) met the new MCESD Chairperson, Mr. John Bencini on the Thursday, which was also the ‘Patients’ Rights Day.’

The CSC met the Chairperson during the Committee’s monthly meeting and presented an insight on what the CSC is doing since the Committee has become a full member at MCESD.

The Committee discussed some of the issues that NGOs are facing including the problems of funding and other matters in which these organisations could be assisted within the MCESD structure. The Civil Society Committee requires technical assistance too. Hence the need for Government to increase the MCESD budget.

The Committee said that it is working to lay foundations and prepare a structure under which such a Committee could work better by proposing points of discussion in the Council. The Committee already took an active part in its participation on the 2013 Budget.

The Civil Society Committee (CSC) has been restructured and is made up of representatives from 12 sectors namely, consumer affairs; health, elderly and pensioners; gender equality; professions; youth and students; sports; agriculture, rural and fisheries, environmental protection and improvement, including the protection of animals, culture, arts and national heritage; persons with disability; education, social and community advancement; local councils; and other voluntary organisations have been working on formulating joint recommendations and opinions.

The Chairperson Benjamin Rizzo, and the Vice Chairperson John Portelli also represent the Civil Society Committee’s perspective and opinions within the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development together with Unions, Employers and the Gozo Regional Committee delegates.

The Civil Society Committee may be contacted on civilsociety@mcesd.org.mt

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