President of Malta George Vella underscored the need to truly reach the point where persons with disability become equal members of society without any distinction, irrespective of the nature of their disability.
He was speaking at the announcement ceremony of the winners of the Premju Soċjetà Ġusta (Fair Society Award), organised under his auspices by the Ministry for Inclusion and Social Wellbeing, to celebrate the achievements of individuals and organisations that support a culture of greater rights for people with disabilities.
“Persons with disability have their rights. When we ‘give’ them rights, we are in fact handing them back what is theirs, and we would not be giving them any favours. Their rights have always existed but, regrettably, society has denied them their rights for all these years,” said the President. In light of this, he called for the political and democratic structures on which the country is built to work together to create the necessary environment so that people with disabilities reach their professional and civic potential. He said that, through the unique talents and added value that people with different abilities bring to the workplace and other activities, the country continues to be enriched with various skills and professionals.
The President thanked all the professionals and staff working at Aġenzija Sapport, and who, together with the hard work of the Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, continue to strive to provide people with disabilities with dignity and, above all, the ability to be equal citizens and participants in the decisions of the country.
Looking back on this year which is coming to an end, the President noted how in recent months people with disabilities and their relatives have been facing greater challenges than the rest of the population. The challenges were mainly related to the provision of services and to the changes being implemented. He stressed that cooperation between government entities and other professionals is always instrumental, but in such times it is more central to truly have an inclusive and fairer society.
The President was welcomed for the ceremony by the Minister for Inclusion and Social Wellbeing Julia Farrugia Portelli. He announced the winner of the award, Angela Agius, a hearing-impaired person who stands up for other people with disabilities. Due to the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, the awards were given virtually.
