Older activists in Juba joined campaigners in many countries around the world on International Day of Older Persons to demand inclusion in the ongoing peace building efforts in South Sudan.
The International Day of Older Persons is observed on 1 October every year to reaffirm the commitment to promoting the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by older persons.
According to Nyatuong Yok Madol, older campaigners have embraced the courage to talk about their rights despite the difficult environment they find themselves in.
“Things are particularly bad for older women,” she said. “Women are not considered equal within our societies, but we have the determination to have this changed. I have adopted an intergenerational approach in that. We involve the younger generation in our work,” she added.
“So far, the country’s Ministry of Gender has started discussing and implementing policies for the vulnerable population. The ministry is already doing something to address the gender disparities, the welfare of children and people with disabilities. However, it is disheartening that the ministry is silent on issues affecting older people in the country,” said Gabriel Wani, HelpAge International Country Representative, South Sudan.
He added that campaigners will engage the government through policy dialogue meant to lay the groundwork to put the rights of older people on the national and public platform.
Justin Derbyshire, Chief Executive of HelpAge International, said: “With the hard work of campaigners worldwide, we have come a long way in raising awareness that older people’s rights need be protected”.