CHRAJ marks International Day of Older Persons, calls for greater rights protection

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CHRAJ marks International Day of Older Persons, calls for greater rights protection: Ghana News
Mr Joseph Whittal — The Commissioner of CHRAJ| Photo: Graphics Online

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice () has commemorated the International Day of Older Persons 2023, expressing solidarity with older individuals in Ghana and worldwide.

In a statement signed by Mr. Josephy Whittal, Commissioner, the Commission recognized the progress made in protecting and promoting the rights of older persons in Ghana since the country became a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The statement emphasized the invaluable contributions of older individuals to the nation's political, social, and economic development and urged the government and relevant agencies to address their unique needs.

CHRAJ called for older persons in Ghana to have access to productive resources, active participation in political and social activities, and high standards of end-of-life care, palliative care, and geriatric health care.

The Commission highlighted its efforts to protect the rights of elderly women accused or at risk of witchcraft allegations through its Access to Justice Project on Gender-Based Violence Against Elderly Women Alleged as Witches in Ghana.

The project includes a baseline study report, sensitization, and capacity-building workshops in the Northern and Northeast Regions to address gender-based violence and discrimination faced by women and children involved in witchcraft allegations.

The International Day of Older Persons was established on December 14, 1990, by the General Assembly, with its origins in the World Assembly on Ageing and the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing adopted in 1982.

This year's theme, “Fulfilling the Promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons: Across Generations,” focuses on older persons' rights and the need to address violations they face.

It emphasizes intergenerational solidarity through equity and reciprocity, contributing to sustainable solutions for the realization of the .

CHRAJ expressed concern that the National Ageing Bill, critical in streamlining older persons' rights in the national development agenda, has not yet been passed into law. The Commission called on the government to expedite the process of passing the National Ageing Bill.

Reporting by Francis Ameyibor: Editing by Adewale Adejoke

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