ZIMBABWE joined the world in commemorating World Elderly Abuse Awareness day with Government saying this abuse is a public health concern.
By Kudakwashe Pembere
The commemorations were held at the Society of the Destitute Aged (SODA) on Wednesday. In a speech read on his behalf by the Legal Director in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Development Mr Fredrick Mabhena, Minister Paul Mavima said the Day celebrated every 15th of June was designed by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 66/127, December 2011.
This was preceded by initiatives such as the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA), who first established the commemoration in June 2006.
“This important day is one of the most critical milestones in world history where society refutes the rampant and unwarranted abuses endured by its dearest senior citizens,” he said.
Themed “Zimbabwe-Confronting Elder Abuse” , the Minister said abuse against the elderly was also a human rights issue.
“This year’s theme is: “Zimbabwe-Confronting Elder Abuse”. This theme resonates well with The UN International Plan of Action that describes elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue,”he said. “With this in mind, enhanced attention should be put on the needs and challenges of Older Persons, bearing in mind the United Nations Secretary General`s guiding principle of “Leaving no-one behind.”
It is also important to take note of the essential contributions that older women and men can make to the functioning of society.”
He also said as the Ministry, they are advocating for good health of the elderly.
“The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare continues to advocate for policies that make explicit reference to Older Persons, including those with disabilities. The main thrust of the advocacy is with regards to ending poverty, good health and wellbeing, decent work and sustainable cities and communities.
“Given that the majority of older persons’ in communities are discriminated against on the basis of witchcraft accusations, another key advocacy point is educating the masses that ageing does not translate to witchcraft. The message behind the advocacy being, “KUCHEMBERA HANDI KUROYA” meaning being aged does not make one a witch. Stop killing and abusing older persons on the basis of witchcraft. Long life is wealth, a blessing from God, and not a felony,” said the Minister.
It also emerged during the event that thr elderly are being manipulated into begging for alms.
“We have a plea as carers, as social workers that isn’t there anything that Government can do for our elderly who we see being dragged into the streets out in this biting cold to beg for alms by the people they live with,” said SODA director Ms Emilia Mukaratirwa.
Representing the chair of the Old Persons Board, Mrs Agnes Mafukare said neglect was rampant.
