| Posted: Mar. 23 2005,05:29 |
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PROGRESS: Has your organization seen
progress toward a culture of peace and nonviolence in your domain of
action and in your constituency during the first half of the Decade? |
The
Malta Gay Rights Movement has only been in existence for the past four
years and therefore is a relatively new organisation. It has striven
for protection of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)
individuals particularly in the employment arena. It has witnessed the
transposition of the EU's employment directive into Maltese law that
protects LGBT individuals from discrimination and harassment at the
place of work. There has also been more public discussion of LGBT
issues on the media which has helped to reduce the isolation and
invisibility experienced by many LGBT individuals. MGRM has also
initiated a public debate challenging societal homophobia and
heterosexism in order to create increased awareness of discrimination
experienced by LGBT individuals, including verbal and physical abuse,
harassment and violent attacks.
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OBSTACLES: What are the most important obstacles that have prevented progress?
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Some
of the major obstacles faced include: Overcoming the homophobic and
heterosexist attitudes of society, including politicians, media,
community leaders as well as educational and religious institutions;
Putting LGBT issues on the political agenda as most politicians are
afraid of being associated with the LGBT minority; Obtaining the
funding necessary to be able to operate effectively and promote our
aims; Empowering the LGBT community in order to enable more individuals
to become involved in the struggle for equality;
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ACTIONS: What actions have been
undertaken by your organization to promote a culture of peace and
nonviolence during the first half of the Decade?
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The
Malta Gay Rights Movement has organised a number of meetings with
various politicians in order to lobby for anti-discrimination
legislation in employment that specifically mentions sexual
orientation; organised the first Pride March in July 2004; Carried out
a study on the harassment and discrimination experienced by the LGBT
community in Malta; Set up a National Gay Helpline; Participated
actively in the organisation of activities for World Aids Day; Offered
a number of support services to LGBT individuals who requested
assistance due to difficulties they were facing; Initiated an LGBT
Youth Project entitled Anti-Discrimination: Toward Inclusion and
Acceptance; Appeared on numerous TV programmes to increase awareness of
LGBT issues; Wrote various articles and letters that appeared on
various local national newspapers; Participated in the consultation on
the National Action Plan against Poverty and Social Exclusion;
Organised an annual event for the LGBT community and the general public
entitled Diverscity which focused on increasing tolerance and
understanding of diversity throug various art forms;
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ADVICE: What advice would you like to
give to the Secretary-General and the General Assembly to promote a
culture of peace and nonviolence during the second half of the Decade? |
The
Malta Gay Rights Movement would like to request the recognition of LGBT
rights as Human Rights. This would place a greater obligation on all
countries to protect LGBT individuals and to ensure that they were not
discriminated against in spheres such as education, employment, health,
social services and benefits, housing, family law, and others. In
particular it would request that the Secretary General condemn all
countries were homosexuality was still considered to be a criminal
offence and were individuals were jailed simply because of their sexual
orientation or gender identity.
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PARTNERSHIPS: What partnerships and
networks does your organization participate in, thus strengthening the
global movement for a culture of peace? |
MGRM
is a member of the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA)
that works for equality and human rights with respect to Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual and Transgender individuals. MGRM is also part of the European
Anti Poverty Network (Malta) and supports action taken by European
Network Against Racism (Malta). The movement also collaborates with
various organisations on a local level for various events such as World
Aids Day.
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PLANS: What new engagements are
planned by your organization to promote a culture of peace and
nonviolence in the second half of the Decade (2005-2010)? |
We
hope to continue lobbying for equal rights for LGBT's in particular for
the recognition of same-sex unions and the partnership rights that
ensue. We also aim to introduce training programmes for teachers,
youthworkers and other professionals on LGBT issues. Another project
aims to set up a support group for parents and friends of LGBT's. We
are also aiming to set up a youth group that will provide safe space
for young LGBT's to get together and support each other. We also aim to
carry out awareness raising campaign in favour of tolerance and in
support of diversity.
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Postal address of organization
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Malta Gay Rights Movement, 32 Parish Street, Mosta Malta
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E-mail address of organization
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mgrm@maltagayrights.org
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Website address of organization
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www.maltagayrights.org
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Highest priority action domain of a culture of peace
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Human Rights
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Second priority action domain of a culture of peace
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Understanding, tolerance, solidarity
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Highest priority country of action (or international)
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Malta
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Second priority country of action (or international)
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Europe
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