December 19, 2011, United Nations Headquarters in New York City, the United Nations General Assembly has officially recognized Elder Abuse as an a global social issue which affects the Health and Human Rights of millions of older persons around the world, and an issue which deserves the attention of the international community.
The World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, (WEAAD), was first instituted by The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) on June 15, 2006.
Elder abuse, perhaps the last taboo, is widely unrecognized and grossly under reported around the Globe, according to the studies undertaken by many INPEA members from numerous countries.
Established in 1997, INPEA has lead the way in raising awareness and urging NGO’s, grassroots organizations and governments to action. Today, INPEA, together with the Global Coalition on the Rights of Older Persons is working towards a new U.N. Convention on the Rights of Older Persons.
Presently, almost 7 years after INPEA launched the first WEAAD, Argentina, a country with a long and deep history of concern regarding older persons rights, has promoted the UN resolution to institute WEAAD as an international day of observance. Indeed, in 1948, it was Argentina, under the leadership of Eva Perón, which had called for the first U.N.
Declaration on the Rights of Older Persons. Argentina, together with Brazil, Chile, and many other Latin and South American countries, are working toward a regional convention. The African Commission on Human and People’s Rights is poised to establish a Protocol on Older Persons. Yet, without a Universal Instrument, older persons rights will continue to be subject to the whim of nations, as much “soft law” abounds, but little enforceable “hard laws” exist.
Susan B. Somers, JD
Secretary General, INPEA
For more information on how you can take part in WEAAD and what you
can do to protect and promote the rights of older persons and prevent abuse,
neglect and exploitation, go to INPEA’s website at www.inpea.net
SECRETARIAT
#2800-515 W. Hastings St.
Vancouver, Canada V6B 5K3
Tel: +1 (778) 782-5063
Fax: +1 (778) 782-5066
E-mail: INPEA@sfu.ca
URL: www.inpea.net
Silver Inning Foundation supports INPEA and is committed to work against Elder Abuse.
1 comment:
Elder abuse is an unforgivable crime. How can a person even think of abusing a senior citizen? this is totally unacceptable
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