Elder abuse is heart-wrenching. Underscoring the harm and tragic narratives is a violation of the older person’s human right to be freed from violence, abuse, and neglect. A group of courageous and determined older advocates stood up for their rights through song and dance. Violence Against and Abuse and Neglect of Older People One
It was Sunday morning during the Memorial Day weekend. I walked down Third Avenue amidst the warm breeze and bustling sounds of Manhattan feeling light hearted. We made a positive stride forward on the human rights of older people. A Step Forward The 14th Session of the Working Group took place before the 2024
Some public policymakers see the mainstreaming of the older person and aging into existing human rights instruments as the way forward. The approach is inclusive in its intent, and action can happen immediately. Yet would mainstreaming, as an alternative to a dedicated UN Convention, bring about the full enjoyment of human rights by older
Rally for the Rights of Older People There is a global movement centered on human rights in older age. This movement is growing with strength. Older people, non-government organizations, academia, private organizations, and national human rights institutions are rallying for the rights of older people. Their voices and activism activities are national, regional, and
United Nations (UN) Conventions A UN convention is an international treaty that binds countries once adopted at the UN General Assembly and ratified back home in the country. Countries with ratified treaties report their implementation progress to the UN Human Rights Council for peer review. This review process encourages global dialogue and establishes accountability. It
Afraid to go out – No Public Washrooms! “I am afraid to go out to out. There are no public washrooms. I can not control my bladder like I used to”, said an older gentleman at a recent consultation. I saw a few other resigned looks of helplessness when I scanned the virtual room.
On this International Day of Older Persons, I celebrate our older people and their resilience. I am grateful for their inspiration and courage. Be it The older people, who walk with conviction using their canes and walkers, and showing us that setbacks do not define us. Or the courageous older woman, who
COVID-19 shines a sobering spotlight on the deeply rooted discrimination and inequities against old persons worldwide. We can no longer justify inaction and complacency. Therefore, it is with loud cheers that we applauded the 146 Member States who signed a statement of support for the UN Secretary General’s “Policy Brief: The impact of COVID-19
When 85-year-old Charles goes for lunch with his daughter, he feels invisible. The waitress asks his daughter what he wants to eat. Charles feels frustrated and powerless as if his voice has been snatched from him, without permission. This is just a small example of what aging without voice and choice means for older
Is happiness a right or is it just an ideal state? If it is a goal, how do we know when we’ve reached it? If the happiness lasts only a short time and then disappears, is the goal still reached? The United States in unique among countries in that it has enshrined the right
