Ahead of the International Conference of Experts on the Human Rights Situation of the Elderly Persons in Africa, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission Mr. Tony Ojukwu has called for concerted efforts from stakeholders to protect the rights of the elderly.
Ojukwu made this call at the inauguration of members of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the conference scheduled to take place in Nigeria by November 2019.
The Executive Secretary who described the challenges associated with the elderly as a right based issue, noted that Africa had made remarkable progress in efforts geared towards protecting the rights of women and children but is lagging behind on the issue of the rights of the elderly.
He noted that the elderly people belong to the category of the vulnerable groups because they cannot protect or fight for their rights, “which makes it mandatory for government to put mechanisms in place to ensure effective protection of their rights” he added.
The Executive Secretary called on the members of the LOC, to come up with an effective workplan for the successful hosting of the conference which will be attended by stakeh itolders across the globe.
The Executive Director Dave Omakaro Foundation and the Co-chair of the Stakeholders Group on Aging in Africa, Dr. Emem Omakaro, noted that holding a conference of this nature in Nigeria will be the first of its kind in Africa, adding that Nigeria is privileged to host the conference following her commitment to the course of protecting the rights of the elderly.
Dr. Saidu Ahmed who spoke on behalf of the members of LOC said partnership is key to making Nigeria standout in organizing the conference.
He said all the members of the LOC have a common passion for the elderly, therefore working towards addressing their plights will be seamless because a lot of commitment and dedication on the part of members is assured.
