JOINT
NGO reaction to comments made by the Guardian
of Future Generations
The undersigned non-governmental organisations strongly
condemn the racist
comments by Mr. Maurice Mizzi, nominated as Guardian of Future Generations
by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.
According to Government’s mission statement, Mr.
Mizzi’s role is to “endeavour to facilitate closer collaboration
between all stakeholders in the pursuit of the right balance between
socio-economic development and environmental stewardship in the Maltese Islands”.
Finding a balance between socio-economic
development and environmental stewardship is achievable by fostering inclusion,
and certainly not by condemning difference, or singling out any particular
religious belief. Mr. Mizzi seems to forget the responsibility that comes with his
role and the essential point that the most important factor to achieve
development and guarantee future generations is peace.
We, the undersigned, firmly believe that peace
relies wholly on acceptance and inclusion; this means that people are entitled
to have their own religious beliefs, or no religious beliefs at all. Singling
out one religious belief as impeding development is untrue. It foments hate,
something we can ill afford to increase in our small country because it only
leads to violence, death and destruction, as very recent incidents in Malta have
shown.
We remind Mr. Mizzi that migrants are generally
fleeing from war, socio-political persecution and economic hardship, often
induced by interests beyond their countries’ borders. Mr. Mizzi’s declaration
contradicts the Prime Minister’s statement about the need for more workers,
irrespective of religion, origin or colour.
Finally we remind Mr. Mizzi that it is his role
to ensure that no person’s work is exploited in the name of socio-economic
development, and protecting our environment from over-exploitation is part of
his job.
The undersigned do not tolerate any form of
racist discourse. There can be no space for this kind of ideology or language
in our country.
In the light of such racist declarations, we demand his immediate resignation or removal by the Prime Minister as his position is no longer tenable.
This statement is endorsed by:
- aditus foundation
- African Media Association
- Allied Rainbow Communities
- Catholic Voices
- Cross Culture International Foundation
- Department of Gender Studies (University of Malta)
- Drachma LGBTI
- Drachma Parents Group
- Eritrean Refugees community Association in Malta
- Fondazzjoni Sebħ
- Foundation for Shelter and Support to Migrants
- Integra Foundation
- International Association for Refugees
- JRS Malta
- KOPIN
- Malta Emigrants Commission
- Malta Humanist Association
- Migrant Women Association Malta
- Moviment Graffitti
- National Foster Care Association Malta
- People for Change Foundation
- Platform of Human Rights Organisations in Malta
- Repubblika
- Richmond Foundation
- Solidarity with Migrants Group
- SOS Malta
- Spark15
- Sudanese Migrants Association
- The Critical Institute
- Troupe18:45
- Dr. Elena Tanti Burlo
- Dr. Colin Calleja
- Ms. Louise Chircop
- Professor Peter Mayo
- Professor Duncan Paul Mercieca
- Dr. Josephine Milton
- Professor Paul Pace
- Ms. Jacqueline Zammit
