United Nations has reaffirmed its commitment to support Nigeria in strengthening the promotion and protection of the rights of older persons, especially those living in vulnerable situations.
The UN Resident and Humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mathias Schmale, disclosed this at the commemoration of the 2023 International Day of Older Persons in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
According to him, ageing is often accompanied by challenges and vulnerabilities, which can lead to human rights violations if there are no proper national protection systems in place to protect and guide older persons.
Mr. Schmale also said the event was aimed at providing opportunity for reflection on the impact of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on the protection of the rights of older persons.
“On some aspects, Nigeria does well as for instance evidenced by this gathering and the establishment of the National Senior Citizen Centre (NSCC). At the same time, I have heard a lot about older people being neglected and their human rights violated in the face of increasing urbanization and changing lifestyles. It is my sincere hope that today’s dialogue will allow for reflections on effective promotion and protection of older persons in Nigeria, focusing on their contributions throughout their life, for the knowledge and expertise they can pass on to younger generations. As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, the UN in Nigeria is committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts towards enhancing the promotion and protection of the rights of older persons,” Schmale said
Also speaking, Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, re-emphasized Nigeria’s priority in improving the well-being of Nigerians with focus on harnessing the potentials of an aging population.
“The NSCC remains the veritable agency to consolidate opportunities for the older population, in partnership with the various Ministries, Department and Agencies through multi-sectoral coordination. The present administration will ensure adequate support; persuasion of the state governments to domesticate the NSCC Act, VApp Act, Persons with Disability Act and National Health Authority Act. With the Renewed Hope Agenda and its pillar on social investments, equity, fairness and solidarity across generations, the present administration will focus on harnessing the potential of population ageing, combat ageism and negative stereotype and close the gaps and inconsistencies in data. It would focus on research and human capital development and continue to create systems capable of supporting older persons, including age friendly environments, Universal health coverage and building long term care systems,” Edu re-emphasized.
On her part, the Director-General of National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), Dr Emem Omokaro, highlights the universally declared rights of older persons.
“The universally declared rights of older persons include right to life, liberty, and security of person, freedom from discrimination, abuse, violence and torture. Others are, right to work and education; and right to participate in cultural, social, and political life of their country and right to economic empowerment, access to justice, disability and age friendly environment. Today, we wish to present highlights of IE’s Report and Nigeria’s response, and have a multi-sectoral panel of discussants to make inputs. The outcomes we hope will be enhanced understanding of opportunities and challenges of older persons and to strengthen partnerships and technical support, increased aging mainstreaming in multi-sector plans, the SDGs, equity and solidarity across generations,” Omokaro said.
The event with the theme: “Fulfilling the promise of the universal declaration of human rights for older persons across generations” was organised by the UN and the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC).
