A European Parliament photographic exhibition “Women Refugees and Asylum Seekers” was inaugurated by Speaker Anġlu Farrugia and the EP’s director-general for communication Juana Lahousse-Juarez at Parliament in Valletta.

Speaker Anġlu Farrugia remarked that whereas the theme chosen by the United Nations for International Women’s Day 2016 is “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality”, the European Union rightly concentrated on Women Refugees and Asylum Seekers.

In recent years, Europe saw an increase in the number of persons seeking asylum and several displaced persons fled their homelands in search of a better life in Europe and ended up victims of tragedies.

He said that although integration had its difficulties, multiculturalism could also enrich society, rendering people more tolerant and respectful.  

The Speaker appealed to everyone to show respect and solidarity with migrants and refugees as this would lead to a better life in Malta.

“A smile or a helping hand goes a long way to make a person feel welcome in a country where she might be on her own”, he said.

Ms Lahousse-Juarez expressed gratitude towards Parliament for hosting the exhibition and working closely with the European Parliament to promote greater awareness of the difficulties encountered by wWomen refugees and asylum seekers, and the need for expressions of solidarity with people.

Umayma, a Somali and representative of Migrant Women Association Malta and Hourie Tafech, a Palestinian refugee gave an account of their personal experience.

Dr Farrugia also presented the Times of Malta photographer Darrin Zammit Lupi with an award as the winner of the photographic exhibition.

Ian Noel Pace and Jonathan Borg, joint runners up, were also presented with an award.

The exhibition can be viewed at the House of Representatives foyer until March 11 during office hours.