During the Annual General Conference of the Unit for Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Sexual Characteristics (SOGIGESC), within the Human Rights Directorate, the Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality Rebecca Buttigieg welcomed the publication of the annual report related to the implementation of the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy.
This year’s report marks the last stage of implementation of the 2018-2022 Strategy, a document that considerably advanced the vision of full equality in everyday life. Accordingly, work will begin to launch a new strategy in consultation with the advisory council that will reach within it representatives of the LGBTIQ community.
Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg spoke about the government’s commitment to continue strengthening the legal framework of our country. She explained that during this legislature, the government will be pushing forward the Equality Bill and the Human Rights and Equality Commission Bill , two decisive legislative proposals in the field of human rights and non-discrimination.
“The constitution of our country lays the foundation so that in our country we are all valued equally. But we also know that it is given life by whoever is leading. Optimistic that with the way we have worked as a government over these years we will continue to work to improve the lives of the people around us and the children yet to be born with these measures,” said Parliamentary Secretary Buttigieg . She concluded by thanking all those who collaborated with SOGIGESC Unit in the implementation of the action plan and reiterated the government’s commitment to progress towards full equality.
The annual report that was presented mentions several other areas that the SOGIGESC Unit worked hard to bring about more equality in society. Among the work done, the report lists initiatives to achieve equality in sports, equality in the education sector as well as mentioning the work done to strengthen the service provided by the Gender Wellbeing Clinic.
The annual general conference was also addressed by Mr. Michael Camilleri, Director of the Directorate of Human Rights and by Gabriella Calleja, who is the head of the section for Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Expression of Gender and Sexual Characteristics (SOGIGESC) within the Human Rights Directorate.
