The United Nations(UN)’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day(WEAAD) is annually observed across the globe on 15th June to create awareness about physical, mental, sexual, financial and social abuse faced by the elders.
The theme of the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2021 is “Access to Justice”.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/66/127 on 19th December 2011 and proclaimed the 15th June of every year as the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
ii.The First World Elder Abuse Awareness Day(WEAAD) was observed on 15th June 2012.
iii.The establishment of the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was proposed by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA), which established the first commemoration in June 2006.
Elder Abuse:
i.Elder Abuse is defined as the single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, within any relationship where the expectation of trust causes harm or distress to an older person.
ii.Elder abuse affects the Health and Human Rights of millions of older persons across the globe.
iii.Elder abuse exists in both developing and developed countries.
Note:
Between 2019 and 2030 the number of people aged 60 and above is expected to increase by 38%, from 1 billion to 1.4 billion.
United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030):
The UN has proclaimed 2021 to 2030 as the Decade of Healthy Ageing, with WHO leading international action to improve the lives of older people, their families and communities.
