This week our UN Representatives in New
York attended the working group on ageing. Soroptimist International prepared a brief statement which we were able to
contribute to the discussions.
Our representative, Lois Beilin, reports that one of the big discussion points was whether to have a "new"
convention on protection of the ageing persons. The debate was not conclusive
with approximately equal numbers of states and NGOs for and against.
I speak on behalf of Soroptimist International, a worldwide
organization working in 123 countries.
It is particularly appropriate for our organization of 90,000 women to
speak in support of the rights of women, women being the majority of the
elderly persons in the world.
For countless women around the world, more years lived
unfortunately translates into more exposure to discrimination and neglect. The treatment of older women is a barometer
for the true status of women in a given society.
Physical violence, verbal abuse, involuntary psychological
isolation, financial exploitation, and outright denial of basic social services
are just some of the ways in which violence directly affects older women.
Soroptimist International advocates a life course approach
to policies and programmes which recognizes and responds to the different needs
of women at different stages in their lives.
As a global voice for women, we condemn the violence which leaves so
many older women at risk of abuse, neglect and discrimination.
Speaking to the need for a convention, there already exists
a measure to help enforce the rights of elderly women in the CEDAW
convention. Soroptimist International
wishes to reiterate and support the recommendation made by CEDAW in General
Recommendation 27, calling upon State parties to ensure both legal and social
protection for older women from violence, including domestic and sexual,
institutional, harmful traditional practices and conflict.
We call upon governments to protect, respect and fulfil
human rights obligations to older women as they have done for their families
and communities throughout their lifetimes.
End of statement