Raising our voices against gender-based violence in older age

Observed on 15 June, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011. WEAAD represents the one day in the year when the world raises its voice in opposition to elder abuse and enhances the recognition of the dignity of older persons and their right to live their lives free from fear and violence.

In the context of last year’s commemoration of WEAAD, the World Health Organization in partnership with UN DESA, OHCHR, UNFPA, UN WOMEN, and with support from the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, published Tackling abuse of older people: five priorities for the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021-2030. The report outlines key priorities to prevent and respond to the abuse of older persons and, hence, contribute to improving their health, well-being and dignity. This year’s WEAAD commemoration will provide an update on the implementation of these five priorities.

Entitled “Closing the Circle: Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Older Age  ̶  Policy, Law and Evidence-based Responses”, this year’s commemoration will provide updates on closing the circle, taking into account policies through relevant outcomes of the fourth review and appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing; a review of universal laws and how a legally binding instrument can provide standards to prevent and combat elder abuse; and updates on the implementation of the five priorities of the Decade to tackle the abuse of older people through evidence-based gap maps, population-based surveys and cost-effective solutions. The WEAAD will also connect with the year-long campaign to promote and recognize the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

For more information, please visit: https://social.desa.un.org/issues/ageing/world-elder-abuse-awareness-day

Photo credit: Chadin Tephaval/WHO.