Stakeholders Tasks State Governments To Uphold Elder Justice

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has called on State Governments to put necessary measures aimed at eliminating harmful traditional practices that affect the lives and dignity of older persons in the country.

The Executive Secretary, NHRC, Mr Tony Ojukwu made this call at a partnership and stakeholders engagement on Elder Justice organized by the National Senior Citizens Center NSCC in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission in Abuja.

The Executive Secretary represented by the Deputy Director, Vulnerable Group in the Commission, Mrs Fidelia Oroh reiterated the commitment of the commission in utilizing the legal framework towards protection and promotion of the rights of older persons particularly older women in the country.

“There is need to ensure the protection of the rights of older women from violence sexual abuse and discrimination based on gender.”

Delivering her keynote address, the Director General, National Senior Citizens Center NSCC, Dr Emem Omokaro said preventing, identifying and responding to elder abuse requires multifaceted approach thus the need for concerted efforts in addressing the menace.

Dr Omokaro stressed the need to put systems and
strengthen mechanisms as well as structures to ensure justice for older persons in the country.

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Earlier in a remark, Head of Health Specialist in the United Nations Population Fund, Dr Samson Ezeikeanyi explained the need for data harmonization and collective responsibility towards protecting and promoting healthy ageing in the country.

“We need to explore the untapped and wealth of experience of older persons in adding value to the national development”

Other stakeholders from private and public institutions including ministries, departments and agencies, such as the Legal Aid Council, Ministry of Foreign Affairs took turns to pledge their commitment towards protecting and promoting elder justice in the country.

Highlights of the event was the inauguration of the Elder Justice club in Al-amin school and “stopabuse of older persons challenge” by students of AL-amin international school, Maitama Abuja, as well as presentation of cash awards to the first, second , third and fourth position.

The theme of the event is “Fostering Social and Enabling Structure and Mobilizing Networks Support for Older Persons”.

Nkiru Okeke, Edited By Grace Namiji