The Blind Welcome Constitutional Disability Reform While Calling for Broader Recognition of Human Experience

The Visual Non Visual Network (VNVN) has welcomed the recent constitutional amendments strengthening the rights of persons with disabilities, describing them as an important step forward in reinforcing dignity, equality and participation within Malta’s constitutional framework.

In a statement, the organisation congratulated all Members of Parliament for approving the reforms, arguing that they represent significant progress in recognising and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.

At the same time, VNVN said that its mission extends beyond the traditional understanding of disability. The organisation is continuing to advocate for what it describes as the recognition of the “Visual and Non-Visual Worlds” as a fundamental aspect of human existence and is calling for this concept to be reflected in Malta’s Constitution.

According to VNVN, human experience cannot be understood solely through what is physically visible. The organisation argues that human life, communication and understanding include both visible and non-visible dimensions, and that a modern constitutional framework should acknowledge that the dignity and rights of every individual extend beyond physical perception and conventional social classifications.

The organisation further maintains that future developments in human rights should move beyond labels and embrace the full diversity of human experience. It argues that constitutional debate should not only focus on how society removes barriers faced by individuals but also on how society understands human dignity and humanity itself.

VNVN therefore says it will continue campaigning for constitutional recognition of what it calls the Visual and Non-Visual Worlds, presenting this as part of a broader vision of equality, human dignity and participation in Maltese society.