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Warmth in the Winter Leap ![]()
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As Christmas lights appear and the cooler days of December take hold, the festive season gently settles over the Maltese Islands. While life races on - juggling commitments, navigating the busy roads, and managing the inevitable pressures of daily life - Christmas gives us a pause.![]()
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Whilst for some Christmas is a religious festival, for some others, it can still be a time to reflect, and act, on our deepest human values. Since the dawn of history, the traditional essence of winter has been about huddling together. A sense of belonging, sharing resources, kindness, and light in the long darkness. It can reaffirm our humanist conviction that the flourishing of all is intrinsically linked to our mutual care. ![]()
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The cooler, darker, season prompts us to feel warmth, solidarity, compassion for the needs of our fellows, and the quiet assurance of għaqda (unity) that binds us. We celebrate and enjoy what we have; our connections, good food, laughter, and those we love. ![]()
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But our thoughts also turn to the backbone of our community: those essential workers who maintain the rhythm of our life. To every caregiver, transport worker, retail assistant, health professional, cleaner, security officer, and hospitality staff member - those who ensure Malta keeps turning while we take a break - we offer heartfelt thanks. ![]()
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Let's continue to uphold our shared humanity. Trust in the power of genuine connection and our collective ability to uplift one another, be it through a thoughtful gesture or a needed act of support. Be present. Reach out. Enjoy![]()
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James Buhagiar ![]()
Chairperson Humanists Malta
Humanists International has released an important position statement addressing the growing global challenges to liberal democracy, pluralism and universal human rights. 🌍⚖️ Around the world, the rise of populism, nationalism and majoritarianism is placing increasing pressure on secular institutions, freedom of enquiry, minority rights, and the rule of law.![]()
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The statement emphasizes that secularism remains essential for safeguarding equality under the law, dignity and autonomy for all citizens, and the freedom of thought, religion and belief. It also highlights the importance of critical thinking, scientific literacy and genuine pluralism, while drawing attention to the very real risks faced by humanist activists in countries where authoritarianism is on the rise.![]()
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Humanists International calls on humanists everywhere to work together, speak out against efforts to erode democratic norms and counter the spread of demagoguery, authoritarian propaganda and political tribalism.![]()
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Read the full statement here:![]()
🔗 humanists.international/policy/position-statement-the-global-challenge-to-liberal-democracy-plura...![]()
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#HumanistsMalta #humanism #humanrights #democracy #secularism #pluralism #liberaldemocracy #StandForHumanRights
This article about a new National Anthem Day hits the mark. ![]()
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🇲🇹 The proposal — after years of talk about constitutional reform — feels largely symbolic, with no real impact on people’s daily lives. It reads like an attempt to stir up nationalism in response to social change, secularisation, and a growing “foreign” presence. The current anthem seems rooted in outdated traditions rather than in ideals of justice, fairness and equality. It doesn’t reflect who we are or who we want to become, especially as we reckon with our colonial past and strive for a more inclusive society.![]()
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Read more:![]()
🔗 www.maltatoday.com.mt/comment/opinions/138564/mercy_for_the_masters_health_for_the_workers![]()
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#HumanistsMalta #Secularism #Equality #InclusiveMalta #MalteseIdentity #FairSociety
The Council of Europe has once again noted that Malta lacks an effective, independent equality watchdog to protect minorities and address discrimination.![]()
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Humanists Malta has raised this repeatedly, including at the UN Human Rights Council (video here: youtu.be/FXT7I_FesGA?si=XzdBZ9ebXOQSVN9L) and in our input to Humanists International’s Freedom of Thought Report. Malta committed to establishing a National Human Rights Institution by 2025, yet this remains unfulfilled.![]()
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Times of Malta report:![]()
timesofmalta.com/article/coe-says-malta-needs-equality-watchdog-protect-minorities.1119844 ![]()
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Malta Today’s update that there is still no timeline:![]()
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/138401/work_in_progress_no_timeline_for_independent_human_rig...![]()
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Strong human rights protections require strong, independent institutions.
CoE says Malta needs equality watchdog to protect minorities
timesofmalta.com
Report criticised the fragmented nature of Malta’s anti-discrimination legislation
💛 At Humanists Malta, we believe everyone should have the right to choose a dignified end to life.![]()
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This moving story of a daughter accompanying her mother’s voluntary assisted death reminds us why compassion and choice matter.![]()
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✨ “End this in dignity; end it on my terms.”![]()
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👉 Read more: timesofmalta.com/article/watch-provide-option-ending-life-dignity.1119311![]()
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#DyingWithDignity #AssistedDying #Compassion #HumanRights #HumanistsMalta #EndOfLifeChoice 💬
🩺 Humanists Malta welcomes the news that legislation to introduce the ‘Living Will’ is progressing.![]()
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We have long advocated for clearer legal recognition of personal autonomy and dignity in medical decision-making. The Living Will would give individuals the right to outline their healthcare wishes in advance — an important foundation for compassionate, person-centred care.![]()
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We look forward to following the next steps and remain committed to promoting laws that respect freedom of choice and human rights.![]()
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🔗 Read the report here: www.independent.com.mt/articles/2025-11-10/local-news/Legislation-to-introduce-Living-Will-at-an-...![]()
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#HumanistsMalta #LivingWill #HumanRights #Autonomy #CompassionInCare
www.independent.com.mt
The drafting of a bill that will introduce the ‘living will’ in Malta, allowing mentally competent adults to declare in advance which medical treatments they would not wish to receive, has
Our latest blog posts
A Secular Constitution for Malta
A welcome comment by Alfred Sant, questioning the constitutional role of the Catholic Church. As we have been saying since 2012, we believe the state should be wholly neutral on matters of religion or belief. Why would any Catholic (guaranteed freedom of conscience by...
A reminder to do better: the EP on persecution of minorities
https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/comment/blogs/117035/reminder_better_european_parliament_persecution_minorities_christian_colombo#.YpcOc-xBxGo
Humanism: A worldview committed to self-reflection and maturity
[This article - download as PDF - was first published in SHARE 17 magazine by Philosophy Sharing Malta. A shorter version of the article was published on the Humanist International blog. The full version has been translated to German by Arik Platzek and published on...
European Parliament resolution of 3 May 2022 on the persecution of minorities on the grounds of belief or religion (2021/2055(INI))
On 3 May the European Parliament passed an important resolution condemning the persecution of minorities on the grounds of belief or religion, stressing that freedom to believe or not believe are human rights protected under international law. It: discusses...
The Pope Visiting Malta
Humanists do not hold religious beliefs, and thus often disagree with those who have a faith, and with the actions (or inaction) of religious organisations, now or in the past. Nevertheless, we welcome instances when the teachings of a religious leader chime with the...
Q1 2022 Update
Here is our first quarter presentation update from 2022
