15 June 2014



Elderly people in all societies can be vulnerable to physical, psychological and financial abuse. Older women are at particular risk due to widespread discriminatory attitudes and practices.



On this World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, I call on Member States to enact and enforce stronger laws and strategies to address all aspects of this under-acknowledged social, public health and human rights issue.



All human beings are born with equal and inalienable rights, and have the right to age with dignity, respected by their families and communities, free of neglect, abuse and violence.