The Malta Federation of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (MFOPD) expressed its deep concern regarding the exclusion of persons with disabilities, their representative NGOs, and key academic experts from the University of Malta in the planning and decision-making processes of Malta's Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP).

In a statement, MFOPD said this exclusion contradicts the principles of equity, inclusion, and stakeholder engagement that are essential for creating policies that effectively address the diverse needs of our society. As the national umbrella organization for the disability sector, MFOPD said it represents 44 NGOs working tirelessly to improve the lives of persons with disabilities. It is disheartening to witness a lack of consultation and recognition of the insights and lived experiences of the communities we serve.

Persons with disabilities represent a significant portion of our population and face unique challenges that require tailored solutions. Failing to involve their voices in policy discussions risks perpetuating systemic barriers and undermines the potential for comprehensive, impactful strategies, the federation said.

Moreover, Malta's academic community, particularly those at the University of Malta who specialize in social policy, disability studies, and related fields, offer invaluable expertise. As taxpayers fund these institutions, their exclusion from critical discussions reflects a missed opportunity to leverage knowledge and research for the nation's benefit.

MFOPD called upon policymakers to:

1. Establish formal consultation mechanisms that include persons with disabilities, their representative NGOs, and other civil society actors in every stage of policy development and implementation.
2. Engage academic experts as key stakeholders, recognizing their contributions to evidence-based policymaking.
3. Adopt a participatory approach that ensures all voices are heard, particularly those from marginalized communities, in line with the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
4. Promote transparency and accountability by publicly outlining how stakeholder input will be incorporated into Malta's RRP.

Inclusive policymaking is not just a matter of fairness; it is essential for the effectiveness and sustainability of national strategies. MFOPD stands ready to collaborate with the government, academia, and other stakeholders to build a more resilient and equitable Malta for all.

"We urge immediate action to ensure that no one is left behind in our collective journey toward recovery and resilience," the federation said.

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