The Malta Federation of Organisations Persons with Disability (MFOPD) has welcomed the fact that Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli ensured that the persons with disability, via their representative organisations, were present at the launching of the two public consultations – the 2021 Act amending the Equal Opportunities Act as well as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability Bill 2021.

MFOPD said that it was invited by the Minister to the event, and reiterated that it has, for quite some time now, “been hammering in about the lack of involvement of persons with disability and their organisations in all that matters them. The invitation for this launching was the right step forward.”

“The Minister did not mince her words when she pronounced that the sector will be moving forward with constant consultations with persons with disability and their representative organisations,” it said.

She made clear statements with regards – statements to be backed up by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability Bill 2021 which is presently open for public consultation.

MFOPD added that “following this great news by the Minister, the Permanent Secretary too mentioned and highlighted same way forward. Finally things are moving, and in the right direction. It was awesome to hear great thoughts and the proposed actions to follow and the direction of our sector.”

“The confirmation that our voices will start being heard in all that matters us and this throughout the whole process of discussions was underlined and accentuated more than once during this launching event. Finally we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel! Yes we still have to see words put into action,” it said.

MFOPD went on to say that “one cannot help but note that, in such a short time Minister Farrugia Portelli managed to put herself in our shoes, is really understanding our position and even went further, is acting according to what she preaches.”

MFOPD augured that “nothing and no one stops this will for progress in the disability sector.” MFOPD called for all persons with disability, their representative organisations and all concerned to “come together and with one voice and same stand work closely together for the full benefit of all persons with disability in the Maltese islands.”

It concluded by saying that “the positive outcomes of the United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability can only happen if, we really want it to happen and if, Government and civil society – us – work hand in hand.”

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