PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TOURISM “Never lose sight of the human stories behind our decisions” – Deputy[...]

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"Our work within the Council of Europe shapes the lives of individuals, families, and entire nations - we must never lose sight of the human stories behind our decisions." On Tuesday afternoon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg, encouraged parliamentarians at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) to be "the unwavering beacon of hope and humanity, illuminating the path toward justice today and to a more peaceful and dignified tomorrow."​​

In Strasbourg, he was addressing the Autumn Session of the Assembly in his capacity as the President of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, to update Parliamentarians on the work of the Committee of Ministers in recent months, since he last stood before them during the Spring Session in June, soon after Malta assumed the six-month Presidency of this organisation.

Dr Borg called for unity and trust among the Council's members, stressing that "we should not allow disagreements divide us. Instead, let us lean into dialogue that enables us to move forward together."

"Malta's Presidency has been guided by this very conviction, that relevance stems from responsiveness, grounded in open dialogue, careful listening, and a clear understanding of the context in which we operate," he added.

The Deputy Prime Minister recalled the historic moment of Malta's Presidency in June, when the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Council of Europe to sign the bilateral agreement establishing the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. "It proved that politics can deliver justice, that accountability is possible, and that no one is above the law," he affirmed.

He also talked about the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as Palestinian civilians face enduring starvation and other hardships. As he reminded that the suffering of the hostages of the October 2023 Hamas terrorist attacks should not be forgotten, he emphasised that international law demands restraint and proportionality from all parties, "not as a suggestion, but as a lifeline".

"The suffering endured by children in this conflict cannot be overstated. Thousands of innocent children, who should be laughing and playing without fear, are instead carrying wounds of loss, trauma and extreme hunger no child should ever endure," Dr Borg said.

His address also highlighted the need for urgent efforts to protect journalists in Gaza, reminding that "those courageous voices who risk everything to keep us informed and expose the truth on the ground, are being killed in shocking numbers."

Reflecting on the Maltese Presidency's programme and priorities, Dr Borg mentioned the first-ever Informal Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Children, which convened in Valletta in July, where Ministers unanimously adopted a Political Declaration to strengthen international cooperation to safeguard children, especially in the digital age.

In September, the Ministers of Justice of the Council of Europe also met in Malta to adopt a Political Declaration outlining a powerful roadmap to guide institutions, practitioners, and collaborative efforts in the years ahead.

The Maltese Deputy Prime Minister also talked about the High-Level Conference on Building Democratic Resilience to Disinformation, which was held in Malta last month. "A free, independent, and responsible media remains our first line of defence to expose falsehoods, hold power to account, and inform citizens with integrity. We need to equip people, especially our youth, to consume information critically and to participate actively in shaping a democratic culture rooted in truth and accountability," he explained.

Looking ahead, he highlighted the Conference of Ministers responsible for Youth, taking place next week in Malta, which will seek to adopt a Reference Framework on the Integration of a Youth Perspective, placing youth at the heart of European democracy.

"Democracy flourishes when no one is left behind. True progress demands that women take their rightful place at the heart of political life, shaping policies with their leadership, insight, and strength. Young people too must be given real power to influence the decisions that will define their futures - because inclusive leadership starts with empowering every generation," Dr Borg affirmed.

On Tuesday evening, the Deputy Prime Minister joined the President of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono, Malta's Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe, Francesca Camilleri Vettiger, the Council of Europe Secretary General, Alain Berset, and PACE President, Theodoros Rousopoulos, among other distinguished guests, in a National Day event celebrating the rich traditions of the Maltese village feasts. The evening was hosted by the Permanent Representation of Malta to the Council of Europe as part of the cultural programme of the Maltese Presidency.

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