News

If the general public worldwide was asked the question, “What are your thoughts on elder abuse?” the answers would be as diverse as are people and cultures. The general response, however, is likely to be one of either denial or condemnation:

“It doesn’t happen here.” 

“Families are not caring for their elderly.” 

“Society in general doesn’t value the older person.”

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is held annually on June 15^th and represents "the one day in the year when the whole world voices its opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted on some of our older generations."  [UN-Ageing] 

Although awareness may be improving around the world, elder abuse continues to be poorly investigated in national studies on violence and is one of the least addressed societal and public health issues in national action plans.

What can individuals do to address this often under-reported and overlooked human rights issue? To see empowerment in action, read this story of Malong Pitsi, an elder rights activist from Losotho. She is an inspiration to us all!

GRAN is urging the federal government to keep its promise to provide the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) with real powers. We have joined our voices with the Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability in a strong letter to Minister Carr saying,

“Canada must fulfill its commitment to an independent ombudsperson”.

Click here to read the full text of the letter.

Here is an example of how the Global Fund makes a significant difference to those living with Tuberculosis……

New TB drug reduces treatment time

by donttradeourlivesaway

Source: Health E News

20th May, 2019

A major shot in the arm is set to boost South Africa’s fight against tuberculosis.  A grant from the Global Fund is expected to boost the implementation of tuberculosis drug 3HP, a short course TB preventative therapy regimen that combines TB drugs, isoniazid and rifapentine. South African National Aids Council CEO, Sandile Buthelezi is excited that the grant will assist with the rolling out of 3HP, which is recommended for people living with HIV.  Click here for the full article.

In our May GRAN Update, we heard that the 10^th annual session of the Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) on Ageing had taken place at the United Nations (UN) this past April.

The OEWG’s main purpose is to strengthen the protection of the human rights of older people. It has started to seriously consider establishing an international Convention on the Rights of Older Persons.

In many countries around the world, older people are discriminated against on the basis of their age, affecting their human rights including their right to health, to education and lifelong learning, to economic security and to social protection and freedom from violence.

Rights matter, and around the world, elder rights activists like Mateboho Leboho, a grandmother from Lesotho, are starting to claim their rights. To learn more about what motivates Mateboho, click here.

In light of reports of ongoing abuses by Canadian mining companies, GRAN urges the government to give the Canadian Ombudperson for Responsible Enterprise real powers. Click here to read article from Mining Watch Canada.

The 25^thAnniversary of the Rwandan genocide was marked earlier this week.  While the horrific violence that occurred throughout those 100 days must never be forgotten, the stories of the strength, courage and perseverance of survivors also need to be told. In this powerful and moving article, Marie-Louise, Gloriose and others share their journeys of healing, aided by their own determination, their hopes for their children, and support from the local and international communities.  

Is access to lifelong learning crucial to older women in sub-Saharan Africa?  This area of human rights will be explored at the 10^th Session of the UN Open-ended Working Group on Ageing,  April 15-18 in New York.  GRAN is very fortunate that Peggy Edwards, our co-founder, will attend, assisting with an event organized by the International Longevity Centre in Ottawa.  

One of the themes this year is the importance of Lifelong Learning for women to live meaningful, self-fulfilling lives as full members of society. And older women in sub-Saharan Africa are asking for education in basic literacy, skills training such as agricultural practices, health and the new technologies.  Read why education is so critical to grandmothers in HelpAge’s submission to the Conference, ‘Living Not Just Surviving’. 

You can also follow this UN conference on the web. 

This International Women's Day is an opportunity to celebrate progress that has been made towards gender equality and to learn more about the barriers still facing women around the world.

"A bus to get to work. A clinic for health care. A monthly pension for old age. Some people can take these for granted. But many others suffer from the lack of infrastructure, public services and social protection that affect their rights and well-being. Women and girls are often foremost among those who miss out.

Progress and real development will only be possible if all people have equal rights and opportunities to thrive. Meeting that goal requires recognizing that women and girls face particular barriers and have different needs. And then taking deliberate steps so that no woman or girl is left behind, regardless of where she lives or how much she earns, or where she comes from."

Click here to read more from the UN Women photo essay: "Equality is our goal. Access is our right".  

Each year, February 6 marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation. The day is observed around the world as a way to raise awareness and to motivate action to end this practice.

You can learn 5 important facts about FGM by clicking here.

#EndFGM #WomenMatter