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The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has called for enhanced promotion and protection of the rights and dignity of older persons across Zambia.
Commission Spokesperson, Mwelwa Muleya, said it remained a deeply disturbing reality that in many African countries, including Zambia, older persons continue to face discrimination, violence, and even death.
He attributed the situation to deep-rooted superstitions, economically motivated rituals, and lack of understanding of age-related conditions such as loss of memory.
“The Commission is calling for effective public awareness, enactment, and effective enforcement of laws aimed at preventing and punishing acts of violations or abuse of the rights and dignity of the elderly,” he said.
Muleya was speaking as the international community commemorated the United Nations Day of Older Persons, observed annually on October 1. This year’s theme is “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being and Our Rights”.
He said the theme underscored the transformative role older persons play in building resilient and inclusive societies based on their invaluable knowledge and experience.
“Older persons are a national heritage and must be treasured and protected from any form of harm,” Muleya stated.
He urged families, communities, and the nation at large to value and safeguard the well-being of older persons to ensure their continued contribution to development at all levels of society.
“Further, the Commission is particularly calling upon the Government to establish a functioning mechanism for consultation and participation of older persons in national matters such as policy and legal formulation as well as in building and maintaining national peace and unity for sustainable development,” Muleya emphasized.
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