Speakers stress need to reinforce traditional family support for elderly, more Aid in afternoon plenary at Ageing Assembly

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ENRIQUE SILVA CIMMA (Chile): Chile has worked intensely to address the issues of older persons, to ensure that their concerns can be resolved to ensure a full and happy life. Six years ago, we realized that the number of older persons had considerably increased, and working on behalf of older people became our priority. We approved a policy for older persons which sets out a series of essential issues. The most important of these was the need to ensure an active life for older persons in social terms, and also in academic fields. One of the decisive factors in carrying out the policy was a Council that concerned itself with the cultural aspects of ageing. Many of Chile's universities have incorporated in their curriculums policies on behalf of older persons. There is considerable interest in assisting older persons from the academic standpoint.

Everything, of course, is not perfect for older persons in Chile. We are concerned with poverty, the large difference between the wealthiest and the lower levels of society. Poverty affects older people to a great extent and the Government must now address the issue of old age pensions. Progress has been made -- the widows of deceased workers received half of what their spouses would have, and that has been corrected. Discriminatory taxes have also been addressed. There is considerable concern for the low pensions available to some of our older citizens, and we have noted suggestions made at this conference. We would like to suggest the possibility of a regional conference in 2003, which Chile would be pleased to host.

OMER HUSSEIN SABAA (Yemen): Called upon to take important decisions in line with the Millennium Declaration, this conference is a historic opportunity to build a society for all ages. Twenty years after the First Assembly, the subject of ageing remains high on the world agenda. In a large number of societies, there is a disproportionate number of elderly people. Old age should not be an obstacle to the enjoyment of human rights.

In general, we approve of most of the measures proposed in the draft documents before the Assembly, in particular as far as increased social protection for the elderly is concerned. My country has followed the democratic path and is committed to the cause of human rights, including those of the elderly. Older people, in accordance with the principles of Islam, occupy an important place in our society. The Government of Yemen protects the development and welfare of the elderly. We have put in place legislature to protect their rights and have introduced social security measures.

As a developing country, we consider the elderly an integral dimension of combating poverty. My Government will do everything possible, within the scope of its resources, to promote better conditions of life for the elderly. I hope the results of the Assembly will be a step forward and that a revised action plan will be adopted on ageing, which would take into account the economic, social and cultural realities of our time. We need to show political will to implement international decisions in this respect.

In conclusion, I want to say that it is painful to remember the situation of the Palestinian older people, who are exposed to unbearable humiliation that is taking place.

NICOLE ELISHA (Benin): Our Assembly is evidence of our commitment to working for older persons, who are the living memories of our true values and the holders of our traditions. To be an older person in Benin used to be an honour -- an older person was venerated and considered a pillar underlying the family and community. Today, threats facing older persons, as well as family stability, include unemployment, poorly paid work and the deteriorating living conditions of working people who support the elderly.

The challenge of addressing that scenario, to which globalization is contributing, must be met. Working people who have become masters in their work and retire should be well paid. Instead, they often lose income and must survive by depending on their families. The family is the main support of the older person, certainly in the case of Africa.

Considering the social role older persons can play, they must be given increased protection. The Government in Benin is carrying out a study into their needs and preparing a document on strategies for social protection. It intends to establish a hospital for older persons and an information centre to assist them. Those plans reflect the determination of the State to improve the lives of older persons.

TALAL MUBARAK AL-AYYAR, Minister of Electricity and Water Resources, Social Affairs and Labour of Kuwait: Participation of older persons in the life of society should be a priority within national plans of development. Equal access to jobs, adequate income -- as a means of poverty eradication -- and financial assistance for those who are unable to work should be ensured. It is also important to strengthen inter-generational ties within families and local communities. Among other priorities are health-care schemes for the elderly, accessible housing and transportation, access to education and rehabilitation, and employment opportunities.

Basing their actions on the international agenda, the Arab States have recognized the importance of preparing a work plan targeted to older persons. The plan stresses such issues as the establishment of NGOs for the welfare of the aged, increased awareness of related issues, and health-care programmes for older persons. At the national level, Kuwait builds its efforts on the foundation of the Islamic religion, which promotes filial piety towards older people. Social support is provided to elderly persons, and monthly financial aid is guaranteed to them. Several clubs have been established for their enjoyment. Various hospitals and medical clinics are providing comprehensive health care for older people, and under the social security law of 1976 and its amendment, many categories of older persons, including civil servants, tradesmen, businessmen and craftsmen, benefit from generous pensions.

I hope the Assembly will condemn and denounce the intentional killings and terrorism performed by Israeli forces against civilians, including older persons, in the lands of the Palestinian Authority, and by which they violated all international covenants, Security Council resolutions and other relevant international decisions. The international community should put pressure on Israel to release all prisoners, some of whom are elderly.

We live in a world without any boundaries, and in every corner of the world people are struggling to eliminate inequality. It is our duty to ensure better life for older people and integrate them as productive members of our societies.

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