NGO Forum on Ageing 5-9 April 2002

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NGO Forum on Ageing
April 8, 2002

The CECU (Conferencia Española de Consumidores y Usuarios/ Spanish Conference of Consumers and Users) has taken active part in the organization of the Forum. Members of the Administrative Committee and its president, María Rodríguez, is co-president of the Forum. Two round tables were co-ordinated by the CECU.

Q. What are the tasks of your organization ?

A. Our task is to develop a policy to protect the consumer. We elaborate rules for the legal defense of citizens who believe that their rights have been affected.

Last year we completed more than 5,000 projects which covered several areas: security, household economy, consumer rules, housing, pharmacy, suppliers, telecommunication, etc. We do not leave behind the elderly and we participate in the consultative organizations of the ad-ministration in which consumer issues are raised.

Q. Which aspects do you expect the Meeting will deal with?

A. Firstly, working on a proposal of the rights of the elderly which includes their rights as consumers, since they do not know them very well. Secondly, the creation of an international institution which cares for the elderly. This would allow us to measure the progress of governments in relation to the present elderly people and the future ones. Lastly, establishing, in the UN and other similar entities, an agency which can dedicate itself to the ageing issue.

Q. What do you want to transmit from this Forum to the representatives of each country?

A. Above all, it is necessary for them to be aware that ageing is a burning issue needing urgent action. There have to be established policies and guarantee human rights such as subsistence and dignified ageing.

Q. What should be the process of the application of the conclusions this meeting would lead to?