On April 19th, Councellor Mrs. Marissa del Rosario-Blackett addressed the 22nd Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

Councellor Blackett expresses gratitude to the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues for discussing the protection of the rights and cultures of Indigenous communities. The Sovereign Order of Malta recognizes that special measures are needed to protect these communities and their ways of life, including the Roma, who have been historically marginalized and persecuted.

The Order of Malta has expanded its projects to 25 centers in nine European countries, with a focus on building long-term relationships with communities based on mutual trust and respect.

These projects include education support, health education, music lessons, and programs to support mothers and children. Councellor Blackett emphasized the importance of prioritizing the protection and preservation of the rights, cultures, and traditional knowledge of Indigenous communities, including those that do not fit into traditional anthropological categories, to ensure a sustainable future for all.