March For Peace In Valletta: Advocating For Compassion And Equality On World Refugee Day
This Tuesday, the world will come together to commemorate World Refugee Day 2023. This significant day serves as a reminder of the millions of individuals who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict.
In conjunction with Refugee Week Malta, an inspiring event called the March for Peace will take place, advocating for peace and compassion while acknowledging the plight of refugees.
The March for Peace is a collaborative effort organised by Dance Beyond Borders in partnership with MGRM (Malta LGBTIQ Rights Movement) and Young Progressive Beings.
Refugee Week Malta, a global celebration taking place from June 18th to 25th, focuses on this year’s theme of compassion. It aims to foster empathy and understanding towards refugees and encourage communities to stand in solidarity with them.
In line with this compassionate theme, Refugee Week Malta aims to shed light on the challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ refugees seeking safety in Malta.
Malta is widely recognised as a country with some of the most progressive LGBTIQ+ laws in the European Union.
However, there is still a lack of clear policies protecting LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers. The current policy disregards the dangers of institutionalised discrimination, imprisonment, and forced labour faced by individuals from countries such as Algeria, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Chile, Egypt, Ghana, Jamaica, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia.
In these countries, people can face criminal punishment ranging from three years’ imprisonment to a life sentence, merely for living their authentic identities. With its current policies, Malta inadvertently endorses the state persecution of LGBTIQ+ refugees.
The purpose of the March for Peace is to raise awareness about these existing policies and collectively challenge them. By doing so, Malta can live up to its reputation as a country with some of the most inclusive and progressive LGBTIQ+ laws in the EU.
The march will commence at 6pm on 20th June, at Pjazza San Ġorġ in Valletta. Participants will embark on a silent walk toward Parliament, symbolising the call for peace and justice.
The march will culminate in Freedom Square, where speakers from the refugee community will share their stories and emphasise the importance of peace and compassion. Additionally, the speakers will address the need to acknowledge the “unsafe” countries where LGBTIQ+ individuals face severe persecution.
The event has garnered support from various organisations, including Blue Door Education, African Media Association Malta, YMCA Malta, People for Change Foundation, JRS Malta, Integra Foundation, Centru Tbexbix, Inizjamed, Kopin, Spark 15, and UNHCR.
This event serves as a powerful platform for the community to come together, unite in solidarity, and demand change. By advocating for the rights and safety of LGBTIQ+ refugees, Malta has the opportunity to lead by example and promote a more compassionate and inclusive society.
The March for Peace sends a clear message that every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, deserves respect, protection, and the opportunity to live a life free from persecution.
As World Refugee Day 2023 approaches, let us join hands and march together for peace, compassion, and equality. Together, we can create a world where all refugees, including LGBTIQ+ individuals, can find safety, acceptance, and the chance to rebuild their lives.
Are you going to march for peace?
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