Social Justice Week Highlights Fight Against Loneliness & Inequality

Social Justice Week in Malta continues with a National Conference in Parliament, focusing on the common good and the promotion of a just society.

The event concluded with the presentation of the Opposition’s Private Member’s Bill on Loneliness by Shadow Minister Ivan Bartolo.

Leader of the Opposition and Partit Nazzjonalista Alex Borg emphasised that loneliness must be addressed with greater political commitment.

He praised the draft legislation, describing it as an important step that has the potential to improve lives across the country. Borg highlighted that Social Justice Week and similar initiatives foster people-centred politics and draw attention to critical social issues.

He underlined that Malta faces numerous challenges, including the rising cost of living, housing problems, in-work poverty, discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, disability or social status, and inequality in access to essential services.

Addressing these issues requires not only legislation but a focus on individual dignity, quality of life, and empathy. Social justice, Borg said, is not a luxury but an investment in Malta’s future.

The Conference featured contributions from politicians and experts in social welfare. Speaker of Parliament Anġlu Farrugia reminded attendees that social justice is more than a slogan and that a society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable members.

Shadow Minister for Education Justin Schembri spoke on educational inequalities, while Minister Michael Falzon emphasised the need to overcome the stigma surrounding mental health. Minister Julia Farrugia highlighted the importance of policies that prioritise solutions over party politics.

Individuals with experience in social issues also shared insights. Topics included the challenges faced by children and adults with disabilities, health risks from machinery and noise, mental health, social reintegration for marginalised persons, the impact of rent reform on the elderly, and the right to adequate housing.

Speakers also addressed discrimination in pensions and ongoing injustices faced by Thalidomide survivors, with a minute’s silence observed in their memory.

Social Justice Week has included visits to correctional facilities and meetings with non-governmental organisations, along with public discussions and conferences.

The week-long programme culminates with an event at the President’s Palace in Ħ’Attard, under the patronage of the President of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono.

During the event, the Social Justice Award 2026 will be presented to individuals and organisations in recognition of their contributions to improving social welfare.

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