"I call upon Governments and all concerned actors to design and carry out more effective prevention strategies and stronger laws and policies to address all aspects of elder abuse. Let us work together to optimize living conditions for older persons and enable them to make the greatest possible contribution to our world."
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
The World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) happens each year on June 15th. It was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2011, following a request by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA), who first established the commemoration in June 2006. It represents the one day in the year when the whole world voices its opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted to some of our older generations. Elder Abuse is a global social issue which affects the Health and Human Rights of millions of older persons around the world, and an issue which deserves the attention of the international community.
Individuals, communities, municipalities and organisations come together and hold events to raise awareness of elder abuse on June 15th. As in previous years, many activities will be held in 2012, hoping to bring greater recognition of the mistreatment of older adults wherever they live throughout the world and to highlight the need for appropriate action.
The Government of Argentina, UNDESA-DSPD Focal Point on Ageing and the NGO Committee on Ageing/NY organized a meeting on 14 June 2012 at the United Nations in New York to celebrate the First United Nations World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Download the full programme.
Message of the Secretary General
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More information on Elder Abuse available at:
- United Nations Department of Public Information website on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
- World Health Organisation
- European Reference framework Online for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and Neglect
- NGO Committee on Ageing/AARP