IN ensuring elderly people’s rights are promoted and protected, sustainable laws and strategies to end killings of aged people in the country have been touted. Recomendations were made during the commemoration of Human Rights Day in Africa officiated by the Former President of Tanzania, Mr Ali Hassan Mwinyi co-organised by the Commission of Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRGG) and Help Age International in Dar es Salaam.
On behalf of old people, Ms Clotilda Kokupima requested local government authorities to establish older persons’ councils at all levels to ensure their inclusion in decision making as per National Ageing Policy of 2003.
The rights of the elderly should be identified and incorporated in the Proposed Constitution as well as improved provision of health services through allocating special health officers, section and availability of medical facilities,” said Ms Kokupima.
The rights and welfare of senior citizens should be considered as a cross cutting issue, prioritised and addressed in all government and non-governmental sectors. Former president Mwinyi congratulated the organisers for dedicating the day to recognise the welfare and protection of elderly people in the country. It is incumbent upon the government to create a favourable environment for old people to enjoy their basic human rights.
“The responsibility of protecting and strengthening human rights in the country belongs to everyone,” said Mr Mwinyi. Tanzania is estimated to have 2.5 million old people equivalent to 5.6 per cent of the entire population; it is saddening that killing of elderly persons on average of 700 people per annum is due to superstitious beliefs.
“I condemn these killings and call upon all stakeholders, including the government to take necessary measures and stop this national catastrophe,” he stressed. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb Liberata Mulamula, pointed out that important reforms in the country can only be carried out effectively with active participation of civil society as useful link between government bodies and ordinary people.
“I find it quite timely and appropriate that this event brings into focus the plight of the elderly persons in Tanzania so that it is treated with a sense of urgency and importance it deserves,” noted Amb Mulamula.
The ageing policy in the country is not in support of any legislation as it was developed twelve years ago, in ideal situation any policy should be reviewed within five years to address challenges of the day.
The Chairman of CHRGG, Mr Bahame Nyanduga, noted that the aim of the commemoration was to remind the government and general public the need to respect, protect, preserve and promote human rights, including the rights of older persons by ensuring the well being of the society.
Culled from Daily News
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