Dr Helena Dalli,
Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties won the
prestigious Hero of the Year Award during the 6th edition of the
European Diversity Award that was held in London last night. Among those
nominated in the various categories were Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, and Italian Undersecretary
of State Ivan Scalfarotto.
The ceremony
which took place in the London Museum of Natural History, was attended by over
500 participants working in the field of equality and diversity across Europe,
and amongst others Minister Dalli received congratulations from officials from
the Office of the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights and the Council of
Europe.
The award is
given to politicians, journalists, athletes, companies and publishing houses
that act as trailblazers in the enhancement of equality in European society.
In her
acceptance speech Minister Dalli said that we must work hard so that the
advancements made will not get undone, referring to the particular point in
time we are living in where threats to equality are increasing. She also
pointed out that democracy must never become a tyranny of the majority and
attention to minorities should be high on the agenda of every government.
On the national
level, finishing touches on the Equality Bill and a Human Rights and Equality
Commission Bill aimed at mainstreaming equality for all persons in all spheres
of life are now underway – after a wide consultation process - with the intent
of presenting the Bills to Parliament shortly.
Photos Credit: MSDC
