PRESS RELEASE BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Davina Sammut Hili addresses the 151st General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Geneve

Parliamentarians from across the globe are meeting in Geneva to discuss the upholding of humanitarian norms and supporting humanitarian action in times of crisis and provide a platform for delegates to deliberate, exchange views and galvanize parliamentary action in this area.

In her speech, Sammut Hili emphasised that in times of crisis protecting humanitarian values is not only a legal duty but also a sign of our shared humanity. These values, she stressed, remind us to always act with dignity, fairness, and compassion.

Sammut Hili stated that Malta continues to stand firmly by these principles and that its foreign policy gives strong importance to humanitarian work through the Official Development Assistance and Humanitarian Aid Policy. This policy supports the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and focuses on solidarity, human rights, and protecting civilians in need.

Focusing on Malta’s location in the Mediterranean, Sammut Hili stated that Malta is often at the centre of migration and humanitarian challenges. She informed that the government works closely with international partners such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), UNHCR, and the Red Cross. 

Sammut Hili praised also the work of the Maltese Civil Protection Department as it plays an important role in coordinating emergency responses, both in Malta and as part of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. She opened that humanitarian action should go beyond emergency aid as it should include preparation, build community resilience, and supporting long-term recovery. 

She concluded her speech by stressing that it is the duty of parliamentarians to turn humanitarian values into real laws and actions. 

The Maltese Parliamentarian delegation was led by Speaker Anġlu Farrugia and included also Charles Azzopardi. The IPU Assembly is expected to adopt resolutions on the emergency item and on the subject item taken up by the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights entitled ‘Recognizing and supporting the victims of illegal international adoption and taking measures to prevent this practice’. The Assembly is expected to conclude with the adoption of an outcome document on the overall theme of the General Debate.