Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544378
INCLUSION and disability were dis- cussed on TVM's Popolin recently with persons with disabilities, family mem- bers, and NGOs, including MFOPD. By the end of the programme, despite dif- fering perspectives, there was unanimous agreement—true inclusion is far from being the norm in Malta. The programme highlighted both infor- mation and real-life examples illustrat- ing why inclusion is not happening. For many viewers, it may have been difficult to fully grasp the daily realities faced by persons with disabilities. Inclusion means a sense of belonging. Yet, in Malta, we still see students with disabilities pushed into special schools rather than supported in mainstream education. After age 16, the primary op- tion for many is a segregated therapeutic service instead of an inclusive education- al programme that prepares them for work and life. Persons with disabilities encounter inaccessible environments, limited transport and infrastructure, and are often excluded from decision-making processes and policies that directly affect their lives. These barriers collectively prevent full participation and independ- ence. The failure of inclusion initiatives is of- ten attributed to poor funding. MFOPD believes funding itself is not the prob- lem—rather, it is about value for money. Too often, initiatives promoted in the name of inclusion are, in reality, segre- gated services. Inclusion cannot remain a buzzword; it must translate into mean- ingful, community-based opportunities. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) is explicit— States must move from seg- regated services to inclusive, commu- nity-based ones. Segregation is not just discouraged but is deemed incompatible with the rights of persons with disabili- ties. Article 19 of the UNCRPD requires that: • Services must be available in the com- munity; • They must prevent isolation or segre- gation; • People should not be forced into spe- cial or separate settings. Malta prides itself on having incorpo- rated the UNCRPD into national law. Yet public funds are still being used for initi- atives that go against the very spirit of the Convention. The roles of the Directorate for Disa- bility Issues (DDI) and the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disabili- ty (CRPD) reflect Article 33 of the UN- CRPD. The Directorate for Disability Issues (DDI) develops and coordinates policy to transition from segregated to inclusive services, while the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD) serves as an independent moni- toring mechanism, investigating whether segregated services violate the rights of persons with disabilities. MFOPD believes it is time for an hon- est conversation about inclusion. While Malta has committed to the UNCRPD, many services remain segregated in prac- tice. We need clarity on how the national structures responsible for implementa- tion and monitoring are driving progress. What measurable outcomes have been achieved, and what concrete actions are planned to address ongoing segregation? Inclusion cannot remain an aspiration. Persons with disabilities are entitled to equal participation in community life and this requires decisive, coordinated, and accountable action. 4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 12 ARPIL 2026 OPINION Marthese Mugliette President Malta Federation of Organisations Persons with Disability True inclusion far from being the norm EU agricultural funds: Building a greener, stronger rural Malta OVER the years, EU funds have supported the development of Malta's agricultural sector. These investments contribute directly to daily life, farming operations, and the wider rural economy. They provide practical, targeted assis- tance that helps Malta's agri food sector modernise, work more effi- ciently, and build resilience in an increasingly demanding environ- ment. Such support strengthens agricultural operations, encourag- es more resource smart practices, promotes skill development, and delivers wider rural benefits that extend well beyond the farm gate. Recent programmes alone have allocated €15.5 million to sup- port 500 small and medium sized production farms under the CAP Strategic Plan 2023–2027, demon- strating the scale of ongoing in- vestment. EU funding has also enabled farmers to upgrade tools, facilities, and equipment, result- ing in more efficient production and improved standards of food quality and safety. Between 2014 and 2022, €24 million was grant- ed to 218 farmers to modernise their facilities, while 19 agricultur- al processing projects received €6 million to strengthen value added production. These investments help agricultural businesses re- duce waste, introduce new tech- nologies, and remain competitive. While farmers' expertise remains central to Malta's food produc- tion, EU support gives them ac- cess to modern equipment that would otherwise be financially out of reach. With Malta facing ongoing pressures on natural resources, EU funded initiatives also pro- mote more sustainable water use and encourage efficient farming practices. Two new water pro- jects, backed by €43 million in EU funds, are strengthening the sup- ply of recycled water for agricul- tural use—an increasingly impor- tant lifeline for growers adapting to water scarcity. These actions contribute to long term environ- mental sustainability by reducing pressure on limited resources and helping rural areas adapt to cli- mate related challenges. Agriculture is changing. It is increasingly driven by environ- mental factors, technological ad- vancements, and shifting market conditions. Adaptability is there- fore essential. More than 1,500 farmers have already benefited from €600,000 in EU funded train- ing, while 400 farmers received free advisory services through €200,000 in support. Additionally, €12 million in agro environmental payments has helped 1,480 farm- ers adopt more sustainable prac- tices, ensuring that environmental considerations are embedded in day to day farming. Support for innovation and gen- erational renewal continues to be a central priority. Since 2014, €6.3 million helped 90 young farmers start their activity, with another €4.5 million awarded so far un- der the 2023–2027 programme to 56 applicants. Likewise, diver- sification remains a key tool for strengthening rural economies, with €700,000 invested in six di- versification projects. Rural infrastructure has also seen major improvements—€22 mil- lion has been invested in 37 rural road projects, improving access to fields and supporting agricultural activity. Other targeted measures help farmers manage rising costs, including €1.6 million in support for around 320 livestock farmers. It is worth noting that EU ag- ricultural funds are not abstract financial mechanisms but practi- cal tools that support farmers, en- hance production, promote sus- tainability, and strengthen rural communities. Malta's agricultural sector continues to evolve with the times while remaining deeply connected to the islands' identity and countryside. Ongoing Euro- pean support helps ensure that agriculture remains a vital part of Malta's rural future. For more information, visit fon- di.eu. Raphael Scerri National Coordinator EUPA