World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is an annual event held on June 15th to raise awareness of older mistreatment, prejudice, and neglect. The day serves as a platform to underscore the importance of upholding the rights of older adults, encouraging society to value and respect their presence. Its primary goal is to draw attention to the different forms of abuse, desertion, and misuse experienced by seniors, while also emphasising the importance of protecting their welfare and upholding their dignity.
Theme for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2023
The United Nations has designated the theme for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2023 as “Closing the Circle: Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Older Age Policy, Law, and Evidence-based Responses.”
Significance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
The fundamental significance of honouring World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is to protect senior persons' rights and to promote equality in society. Here are some key aspects that highlight its importance:
Creating awareness: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day plays a crucial role in raising awareness about elder abuse, aiming to eliminate all forms of discrimination and neglect faced by older individuals. It educates communities and organizations about the negative consequences associated with such abuse.
Protecting rights: This day serves as a platform to advocate for the protection of older adults’ rights. It underscores the necessity of legislative policies that ensure the preservation of dignity, respect, honor, and autonomy for the elderly. WEAAD urges governments and other organizations to address the pressing issue of elder abuse and strengthen frameworks aimed at eradicating it from society.
Fostering collaboration: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day promotes collaboration among governments, NGOs, healthcare professionals, stakeholders, and other entities. The goal is to develop robust strategies to combat elder abuse globally and provide comprehensive support to victims in every possible way.
History of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
The United Nations General Assembly declared World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in 2011. The purpose of this annual observance is to bring attention to and raise awareness about various forms of elder abuse, such as financial, mental, physical, and emotional mistreatment. The day serves as a platform to promote measures aimed at addressing and preventing these inhumane acts of abuse against older individuals.
Important Takeaways for All Competitive Exams:
• United Nations General Assembly Headquarters: New York, United States;
• United Nations General Assembly Founded: 1945;
• United Nations General Assembly Founder: United Nations.
