Almost 1000 Reports Of Disability Discrimination Handled By CRPD In 2023

Dec 3 2024

In 2025, several legislative changes will be presented in Parliament, including the introduction of a panel to ensure faster remedies for disability discrimination complaints.

In 2023, the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD) handled 988 reports of alleged disability discrimination. Of these, 591 were pending from previous years, while 397 were filed that year.

Key issues include accessibility, goods and services, education, and employment. Accessibility, particularly physical access, remains the leading concern, with structural works often causing delays. Of the cases reviewed, 107 revealed no evidence of discrimination.

The CRPD also processed 118 public requests for advice or consultation, bringing the total cases handled by its Investigations Unit in 2023 to 1,106. Notably, 88% of resolved cases ended successfully, with satisfactory outcomes for both the complainants and the Commission.

Another planned reform involves the European Accessibility Act, under which the CRPD will monitor market compliance with accessibility standards.

Minister Julia Farrugia emphasized the importance of strengthening structures for greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability.

CRPD Commissioner Rhoda Garland highlighted growing public trust in the Commission and awareness of disability rights.

#MaltaDaily

Local Band SterjoTipi Release New Song ‘Sigra Tal-Milied’

Dec 3 2024

This festive season, Maltese band SterjoTipi is delivering a heartfelt message of hope and unity with their latest release, Siġra tal-Milied.

The song pairs the joy and light of Christmas with a poignant reminder of the challenges faced in various parts of the world. Its uplifting message, “be the light in the darkness” (kun int id-dawl fid-dlamijiet), encourages listeners to embrace compassion, peace, and resilience during the holiday season.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SterjoTipi (@sterjotipi)

The music video, filmed in the serene setting of a chapel, enhances the emotional depth of the song. SterjoTipi collaborated with La Voix Studios, featuring a children’s choir of over 30 young voices. The angelic harmonies add a profound and heartfelt dimension to the track.

“Our aim with Siġra tal-Milied is to remind everyone of the true essence of Christmas—a time of love, kindness, and the courage to shine even in the darkest moments,” said Mark Micallef Costa, lead singer of SterjoTipi. “Collaborating with La Voix Studios brought such purity and hope to the song.”

#MaltaDaily

Nationalist Party Holds Second Protest Outside Parliament

Dec 3 2024

Bernard Grech, leader of the Nationalist Party (PN), urged Labour Party (PL) MPs to address internal issues during a protest held outside Parliament on Monday. The demonstration, organized by the PN, followed recent scandals involving government ministers.

Crowds gathered at Freedom Square from 5:45 PM, where music played and banners were displayed. A poster accused Prime Minister Robert Abela of ‘fostering a culture of fraud.’

The protest came after Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo resigned from the Cabinet and the PL parliamentary group due to scandals involving his wife receiving suspicious payments.

This was the second PN-led protest in two weeks, with the party reiterating calls for Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri to also step down.

Addressing the crowd were also former PN Leader and current Shadow Minister for Health Adrian Delia, as well as MCAST lecturer Stef Formosa.

Earlier on Monday, Grech described the protest as a “celebration of the people’s victory,” referring to a court ruling empowering the State Advocate to independently pursue the recovery of €400 million linked to a fraudulent hospitals concession.

#MaltaDaily

Joe Biden issues Official Pardon For Son Hunter

Dec 2 2024

On Sunday, US President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter, who was facing sentencing for criminal charges related to drug use and tax evasion.

Despite previously stating he would not intervene in his son’s legal matters, Biden defended his decision, arguing that Hunter was unfairly targeted due to his family ties.

Hunter Biden had pleaded guilty to felony charges for lying on a gun purchase and tax evasion, but his sentencing had not yet occurred.

In his statement, President Biden emphasised that political opponents had pushed for these charges, seeing them as a way to attack him politically.

The pardon has raised concerns about the independence of the judicial system, especially as former President Trump has moved to appoint loyalists to key positions.

Presidents have historically used pardons for family and political allies. For example, Bill Clinton pardoned his half-brother for drug charges, and Trump granted clemency to his son-in-law’s father for tax evasion.

Trump has also indicated plans to pardon individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riots. Hunter Biden’s legal issues have been a contentious topic, particularly as Republicans have accused the justice system of leniency.

#MaltaDaily