Age Demands Action - HelpAge International
Standing up for the rights of older people - group commitment
HelpAge International launched a campaign this October, working to realize the rights of older people - whose rights are too often overlooked across the globe. They launched the campaign with activities in 36 countries on October 1st.As a group commitment HelpAge International took up the Every Human Has Rights call to action, and included it in their own pledge.
In addition to all the events that have taken place on the ground, 1645 have signed online so far.
I believe older people must be included in development policy and practice because:
* Age helps: older people are a resource for development: they work, care for relatives, and offer support through experience.
* The world is ageing: by 2050 there will be more people over 60 than under 14 and 80% will be living in developing countries. If we continue to exclude such a growing part of the population, development will not happen.
* Older people have rights too: I support the principle that everyone without distinction is entitled to the rights and freedoms of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including the right to social security (Article 22). Every human has rights.
Action is needed today if older people are to live dignified, active, healthy and secure lives.
I call on my government and the international community to actively include older people in development policies.
