Author: Daniel Darmanin

Indigenous peoples are a living appeal for hope

On the occasion of the Human Rights Day (10 December 2019), the Executive Committee of Justice & Peace Europe issued a statement entitled “Indigenous peoples are a living appeal for hope” focusing on the rights of indigenous peoples and of those defending them. The selection of this theme was inspired by the Synod on the Amazon, recently concluded in Rome.

Whilst the plight of indigenous people might seem as something remote, it is worth noting that many times, our daily choices have a direct impact on these peoples, and there are ways how we could help these minorities who are suffering because of injustice in the world… Read more »

Economy of Francesco: Young People, a commitment, the future.

In today’s global economic circumstances, both the environment and human dignity are at stake, with concerns for the well-being of current and future generations. The current growth models are incapable of guaranteeing respect for the environment, openness to life, family concerns, social equality, and workers’ dignity.  This is reflected in the teaching of Pope Francis, who has vigorously criticized the pathological state of the global economy, referring to it as an “economy that kills”… Read more »

The Reform on Human Trafficking and Prostitution

The Archdiocese of Malta, through the Justice & Peace Commission of and Caritas Malta, have participated in the presentation of a joint submission to the Maltese Government, on the proposed reform for the legalisation of prostitution and human trafficking.

The joint submission, endorsed by several organisations, speaks of three main goals that are complementary and cannot be enacted separately, essential for the human dignity of the victims to be safeguarded. 

  • To decriminalise those who are prostituted ‑ Conscious of the fact that most sex workers are caught up in prostitution against their will and are the main victims of a broken system which enslaves them.  They should not be criminalised or victimised further for the abuse they endure…

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Budget 2020: Thinking of the long-term common good

In the light of the recently published Pre-Budget Document 2020, ‘Sustaining Inclusive Growth’, the Church’s Justice and Peace Commission welcomes the Government’s invitation for feedback and has formulated a number of observations and recommendations, which it is hereby presenting for further consideration. The recommendations have been categorised in three groupings tied to the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and also through direct stakeholder consultations with Church organisations working with various societal groups… Read more »

The Catholic identity is love – Resisting a politics of hate and exclusion: a Catholic counter narrative

Following an increase in support for far-right movements, some of which base their arguments on the need to protect our ‘Catholic identity’ as well as recent statements by the Guardian for Future Generations, who justified his call to exclude migrants and Muslims in particular by invoking his desire to live and die in a Catholic country,[1] the Justice and Peace Commission of the Archdiocese of Malta feels the need to speak out on our duty as Catholics to resist politics of hate and exclusion.Across the globe, various forms of politics of exclusion are increasingly taking root… Read more »

A Christian Vision for the European Parliament

When we speak about a Christian vision for European politics, for many, the first thought which springs to mind is  the Church’s objection to abortion.  Undoubtedly, the murder of the innocent is a very important consideration, but, a political vision built on just one aspect, is a myopic vision.

The Christian is called to participate actively in the various aspects of  political life.  The Second Vatican Council, through the document Gaudium et Spes, reminds us in the words of Saint Augustine, which describe the Catholic as a citizen of two cities, that is a heavenly city and the earthly one.  This document encourages the Catholic “to fulfil justly their duty here on earth, guided by the spirit of the Gospel”, and it emphasises that “those Christians whom do not fulfil their responsibilities within our society, they would be lacking from their duties towards their neighbours, and moreover towards God Himself…”[1] It’s the same faith that obliges every Christian to participate in political life, everyone depending on his call… Read more »

The need for responsible dialogue

In view of the current discussions on the amendments to the Embryo Protection Act, the Justice and Peace Commission of the Archdiocese of Malta calls for an attitude of responsible dialogue that veers away from polarised positions but which is focused on the common good of all, without demonising those holding opposing views. 

It is not the intent of the Justice and Peace Commission to repeat what the Church has already clearly expressed regarding the proposals… Read more »

The quest for social justice in our society: an integral step in the path for peace

  • Synopsis
  • The human person, not the ‘god of money’, must be at the centre of our social and economic systems, if social justice is to prevail.This is the key message of a document published by the Justice and Peace Commission and the Emigrants’ Commission of the Archdiocese of Malta to mark World Day of Social Justice, today February 20th. On this day we are reminded that poverty is real and that some amongst us are struggling to survive, and that we are called to take concrete action to combat poverty in all its forms…

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Called to work for Justice and Peace

In a document published one month from the day that journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was assassinated in a premeditated attack on our society, the Church Commission for Justice and Peace urged all citizens to reflect on the current state of our society, to take concrete action to work for the common good and to promote peace.

The Commission said it is no doubt necessary to pray and ask God for the gift of his peace… Read more »

A holistic vision is needed that leads to a better quality of life

The Commission for Justice and Peace recognizes that the 2018 Budget introduces a number of positive and encouraging measures. These include the waste and plastic bottles scheme to address the environmental impact of waste disposal, public transportation, domestic violence, adoption and fostering.

The Commission acknowledges that the Budget addresses some issues that impact on the quality of life, for example an added day of leave for all workers… Read more »