Malta recognised as one of Europe’s LGBTIQ+ friendliest countries

Feb 21 2023

Malta’s continuous work to progress and integrate equality for the LGBTIQ+ community has just been acknowledged in the annual report published on Monday by the ILGA Europe organisation.

The report shows that, during the year 2022, Malta continued to make significant steps to strengthen the rights and equality for the LGBT community.

The report refers to the group SOGIGESC – Human Rights Directorate, which worked on various campaigns to educate about LGBTIQ rights and other related matters.

The report also highlighted the continued education for people in various public sectors, including educators, police officials, etc.

Malta organised the first Pride March in Gozo in 2022 as well as removed the discriminatory practice of not allowing gay men from donating blood.

Next September, Malta will hold Europride, which will see various events and campaigns directed towards further education and strengthening of equality and rights for LGBTIQ+ people.

Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality Rebecca Buttigieg welcomed this recognition with open arms, saying that this report is clear indication that Malta is working for a more just and equal society.

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Pets join in on Carnival fun with adorable costumes

Feb 21 2023

Almost everyone was enjoying their time during Malta’s carnival with some creative costumes – and we really do mean almost everyone.

Images from Valletta show a pair of dachshund dogs dressed up as hot dogs, a cute pun on the fact that they are of course known as sausage dogs due to their body types.

The adorable pets can be seen donning two clothing buns on the side and a little back piece with a ketchup design to seal the deal. But here’s a gentle reminder that these dogs are of course not edible – kisses and hugs are however the way to go!

When dressing up pets, it’s very important to not frustrate them with intrusive costumes – whether it be nuisance or straight up harm. You can have fun with your pets at carnival without being intrusive on their space!

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Coast is Clear founder takes to Mount Everest on clean up mission

Feb 21 2023

Coast is Clear, a local clean-up organisation, has taken to Mount Everest on a mission to further their environmentally oriented goal.

Coast is Clear founder Mark Galea Pace, accompanied with seven Nepalese sherpas, took to the world’s highest peak as he completes the highest clean up in the world.

Galea Pace launched a crowdfunding campaign on local platform Zaar to raise upwards of €10,000 to support his future clean ups back home. He also aims to kick off projects of planting new greenery on the island and spread more awareness about environmental and sustainable practices.

Galea Pace kept his followers up to date on his journey through his social media, sharing images of the ‘highest clean up in the world’.

‘An estimated 8 million tons of plastic enters the oceans every year. There are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic waste estimated to be in the oceans. 70% of the debris left behind by humans sinks into the ocean’s ecosystem, 15% floats, and 15% lands on beaches. No matter where trash is left behind, it affects us all in the long run’ the crowd-funding description reads.

He began his trip on the 8th of February, and it is set to come to a close on the 22nd of February. You can still contribute to this amazing initiative by visiting Coast is Clear Malta for more information.

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President Joe Biden’s surprise first visit to Ukraine since war began

Feb 21 2023

For the first time since Russia launched its full scale invasion of Ukraine, US President Joe Biden gave a surprise visit to the war torn country.

The very secretive visit, which took place as air raid sirens could be heard around Kyiv, comes at a moment when Russia is preparing for an expected spring offensive.

Biden walked alongside President Volodymyr Zelenskyy around the gold-domed St Michael’s Cathedral as the Ukrainian leader announced how he hopes to reclaim more territory.

On his part, Biden also announced half a billion dollars in assistance, saying that the new package will include more military equipment. This would come with new sanctions imposed on Moscow later this week.

Biden arrived in Kyiv after a lengthy, covert journey from Washington to Mariinsky Palace and later departed Kyiv in the early afternoon.

The US, along with other Western nations, have been rushing weaponry to Ukraine in hopes of aiding the war effort. US officials hope that the influx of aid to Ukraine can help turn the tide in favour of the invaded country.

It remains unclear however what parameters Zelenskyy might be open to accept in any peace negotiations as the US has refused to define what a settlement may look like beyond stating it will be up to the Ukrainian president to decide.

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