PHOTO: Some of the older people pose for picture
By Alfred Kollie, alfredkolliejr92@gmail.com
Liberia has for the first time celebrating after 31 plus years celebrated the United Nations International Day of Older Persons in this West African nation.
On the 14, 1990, the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 45/106, declared October 1 of each year as the United Nations International Day of Older Persons or UNIDOP.
This day is aimed at hosting programs to appreciate the older persons for their invaluable contributions towards families and societal peace, and development.
Liberia is a signatory to the Maputo Protocol on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, Article 18 section 4 ” The aged and the disabled shall also have rights to special measures of protection in keeping with their physical or moral needs” Article 19 ” All peoples shall be equal; they shall enjoy the same respect and shall have the same rights, nothing shall justify the domination of a people by others.UN International Day of Older Persons is also meant, for stakeholders to amplify their voices to have their voices heard and presence felt in national decision making.
In Liberia, the day has been officially celebrated by a civil society group, He For She Crusaders Liberia that brought together many Older folks in Monrovia’s Paynesville suburb.
Speaking at the observance of the day in Paynesville over the weekend (Saturday October 1, 2022), He For She Crusaders Liberia National Coordinator, Tamba Johnson call on Government of Liberia to go beyond decorated human rights speeches and ensure that robust and concrete action are taken towards the protection of older persons in Liberia.
“The older persons, based on their numerous experiences, contributions and expertise, this day is equally meant to appreciate them, they are human, not only humans, but senior citizens,” he told the occasion.
According to Johnson, People who have reached 60 years and about, must be provided huge level of protection, and tolerance in all spaces.
The National Coordinator of this group however, called on the Legislators to consider the passage of a bill to ensure that the aged are protected in Liberia.
“Finally, let this be known that, ” Older Persons are not witchcrafts, they are human with expertise and experiences, let us stop ill-treatment against them,” Mr. Johnson concluded.
Mr. Johnson observed that with all of the laws, aged People in Liberia are being deprived of all of their rights and privileges by society.
In remarks, Participants called on government and both local and international partners to help with food, medical assistance, shelter and clothes for their wellbeing.
According to them, there are more often abandon by their families, communities and society as a result of their age and the believe that older people are witchcrafts.
The day was celebrated under the global theme: ” Resilience and Contributions of Older Women, and the National theme: Recognizing the Resilience and Contributions of Older Persons towards National Peace.”