LA PAZ, Bolivia / HelpAge International / Newsletter / June 17, 2009
The movement for an International Convention on older people’s rights is gaining widespread support from governments and non-government organisations across Latin America.
In May, Argentina hosted the Second Meeting on the Follow-up of the Brasilia Declaration. Representatives from 22 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean convened to discuss a potential Regional Human Rights Convention on Ageing.
Some of the common goals agreed on were full and effective participation and inclusion of older persons in society, equal opportunities, and the recognition of the commonalities among people that draw them together as members of a shared community.
Government representatives from Brazil, Chile, Bolívia, Peru, Paraguay, Uruguay, Curaçao and Cuba met with HelpAge International and other international organisations who had been invited to contribute as experts on ageing.
At the meeting, James Blackburn, HelpAge International’s Latin America regional representative highlighted the situation of displaced older people.
He said that in Colombia state policies are not fulfilling the needs of vulnerable older people in the region. “We wanted to be here to highlight real people’s stories to support all the data we are given. Older displaced people in Colombia are facing extremely difficult situations. "This is an important opportunity to work alongside governments to get a new Convention that we all hope will be realised much sooner than previous Conventions,” said James Blackburn.
The governments agreed to meet again in Chile in November 2009. [rc]
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