On the occasion of World Human Rights Day, celebrated on the 10th of December, Minister for Equality, Research and Innovation Owen Bonnici and Minister for Social Justice and Solidarity, the Family and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon attended the signing of an agreement between the Ministry for Equality, Research and Innovation and the Foundation for Social Welfare Services.
This agreement is expected to see to the launch of a new service, which will be provided through a collaboration between the two parties and will ensure that LGBTIQ people are able to access the necessary support when needed and that outreach can take place to identify and address the needs of those most vulnerable groups within the LGBTIQ community. The new service will initially be based in the offices of the Human Rights Directorate in Paola.
Minister Bonnici said that one of the budget measures announced for 2021 was the establishment of a centre for the LGBTIQ community with the aim of bringing together under one roof a number of services and facilities aimed at the community.
“While the process of identifying a suitable location is well underway, the government is now committed to providing services aimed at the LGBTIQ community and their families. This is another step that demonstrates the government’s commitment to full equality for all who live in our country”, continued Minister Bonnici.
On his part, Minister Falzon said that this government believes firmly that every person has the right to be comfortable in his/her sexual orientation without any prejudice.
“This Memorandum of Understanding is another example of how we raise bars when it comes to more equality amongst the LGBTIQ community. We commit ourselves to promoting a gender neutral environment for the years to come”, stated Minister Michael Falzon.
The new section will complement the work currently being carried out by the Section on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Gender Characteristics (SOGIGESC) set up in 2018 within the Directorate of Human Rights, to facilitate and monitor the implementation of the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy and Action Plan 2018-2022.
