‘Identify gaps in protection of rights for elderly’

THE society has been challenged to identify gaps in the protection of the rights of older people and ways in which the shortfalls can be addressed.

The call was made   in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday by Ambassador Gertrude Mongella at the launch of a fundraising campaign, seeking to raise 500m/- for the construction of Endeleza Wazee Kigoma (EWAKI) centre in Kasulu District, Kigoma Region.

The centre looks to help provide needed housing, health services, and exercise centre and entertainment facilities to the marginalised elderly.

Ambassador Mongella insisted that it was imperative for the government, stakeholders and general members of the public to safeguard the rights of older people by removing all oppressive systems for the elderly, along with strengthening of the laws and policies for protecting senior citizens.

She highlighted the gaps in the protection of older people’s rights and how to address them in a number of areas, including: violence and abuse, age discrimination, autonomy, independent living and healthcare, social security and access to resources, as well as access to justice.

She hailed organisers of the fundraising, saying it was crucial for the elders to be guaranteed safe and peaceful places to live.

“Once completed, the centre will be providing more awareness on the elderly matters and educating youths and public in general on how to care for the elders,” she said.

Ambassador Mongella said the support was important as the centre to be constructed will help elders in Kigoma region and other parts of Tanzania.

On her part, EWAKI Executive Director in Tanzania Ms Clotilda Kokupima called for a good system in place for helping the elderly economically. She said that it was unfortunate, in most cases when people retire they are neglected and some turn into mere beggars and dependent in the communities.

“This launch for construction of EWAKI Elderly Development Centre is a continuation of efforts in place to addressing their challenges. We have successfully acquired an area of five (5) acres for the project. The goal is to build a centre for the elderly so that they can relax and reduce the stress that brings them anxiety,” said Ms Kokupima.

The executive director added that once the centre is completed, it will among other things, enable the elderly be provided with all basic needs.