National seminar on protecting human rights of older persons
The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, organized a national seminar on "Protecting human rights of older persons" in collaboration with an NGO, the Regional Resource Training Centre on Ageing, ANUGRAHA, Delhi and supported by the Oil and Natural Gas Company Ltd. in Dehradun, Uttarakhand on the 20th January, 2011. Mrs. Margaret Alva, Governor of Uttarakhand, was the Chief Guest in the inaugural session of the seminar which was presided over by Mr. P.C. Sharma, Member, NHRC.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Sharma said that the biggest tragedy of modern society is that the people are going away from their roots and the chasm between the young and old generation is growing. He said that NHRC is committed to protecting the rights of the older persons and supports any effort which is directed towards understanding and recognizing their needs and sentiments. He said that Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Conventions and Indian Constitution recognizes the rights of older persons. The Government of India has enacted the maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007. However, it is a point of concern that the provisions of this Act are not being implemented properly.
Mr. Sharma said that we need to revive our culture of respecting and honouring senior citizens as a habit and this should not be limited to functions only. The elders may not necessarily always need their children's financial support unlike their care, concern and proximity.
Mr. J.P. Meena, Joint Secretary (P&A), NHRC also attended the seminar addressed by fourteen eminent social scientists and speakers. About five hundred senior citizens and a hundred student volunteers participated in the seminar.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Sharma said that the biggest tragedy of modern society is that the people are going away from their roots and the chasm between the young and old generation is growing. He said that NHRC is committed to protecting the rights of the older persons and supports any effort which is directed towards understanding and recognizing their needs and sentiments. He said that Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Conventions and Indian Constitution recognizes the rights of older persons. The Government of India has enacted the maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007. However, it is a point of concern that the provisions of this Act are not being implemented properly.
Mr. Sharma said that we need to revive our culture of respecting and honouring senior citizens as a habit and this should not be limited to functions only. The elders may not necessarily always need their children's financial support unlike their care, concern and proximity.
Mr. J.P. Meena, Joint Secretary (P&A), NHRC also attended the seminar addressed by fourteen eminent social scientists and speakers. About five hundred senior citizens and a hundred student volunteers participated in the seminar.