J
ustice Shri H.L. Dattu, Chairperson, NHRC accompanied by Dr. Ranjit Singh, Joint Secretary, (P&A), attended the 8th Session of the UN General Assembly's 'Open-ended Working Group, OEWG on Ageing' at New York, USA from the 5th -7th July, 2017. The OEWG is a UN working group established by a resolution at the 2010 General Assembly. Its main purpose is to strengthen the mechanism for the protection of human rights of older people.
Justice Dattu, during discussions, highlighted the Constitution of India and various Government policies which have provisions for the well being and protection of elderly persons. These include, 'Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007'. The Chairperson said that with the increasing number of older persons in India, the issues related to their security, good health, dignity, equality and comfortable living would require to be addressed. The Chairperson also focused on the Commission's initiatives and best practices towards the promotion and protection of the rights of older persons.
The initiatives include constitution of Core Group on protection and welfare of the older persons, suggestions to government on National policy for senior citizens, starting a post graduate course in medicine on Gerontology, promotion of research, spreading awareness through training, seminars and bringing out publications for wider dissemination of information on the rights of elderly persons. The best practices of NHRC, include robust 'Complaint Management System', suo motu cognizance of the issues of human rights violations of elderly persons, 'Open hearings & Camp sittings' of the Commission, monetary relief recommended by the Commission, having a 'Focal Point for Human Rights Defenders', directions for: establishing Old-Age Homes and Appellate Tribunals, appointing Special Rapporteurs, calling for action taken reports from Government(s) on its recommendations.
During the discussions it was felt, among others, that the special measures and positive actions were required to be taken to ensure equality and non-discriminatory approach, both in policies and practise, to address the disadvantages faced by older persons. Besides, implementation of some of the existing policy frame works were required to be expedited to protect the vulnerable older persons from physical, financial and psychological exploitation. In the dialogues with states, the monitoring mechanisms and special procedures should pay special attention to the condition of older persons.