Peaceful societies for all ages: preventing and addressing violence against older persons

Recent and ongoing crises in the region such as the COVID-19 pandemic, armed conflicts, and cost-of-living pressures have contributed to an increase in violence against and abuse and neglect of older persons. Nonetheless, violence and abuse against older persons remains largely invisible and limited attention has been directed to this issue in the context of the 2030 Agenda.[1]

A violation of fundamental human rights, violence against and abuse and neglect of older persons represents a barrier to achieving the 2030 Agenda in the UNECE region. Under in-depth review at the 2024 Regional and High-Level Political Forums on Sustainable Development, SDG 16 calls for peaceful societies, access to justice, and accountable institutions—aims that cannot be achieved without tackling the abuse of older persons. In her recent report to the Human Rights Council, the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons called upon States to “scale up efforts against abuse of older persons through effective prevention and protection measures, in particular in line with the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030) and States’ international human rights obligations towards the human rights of older persons.”[2]

Occurring behind closed doors in homes and institutions, shame, stigma, and physical or financial reliance on abusers often prevent older victims from disclosing or reporting abuse. Health and care professionals as well as other community members in regular contact with older persons play a crucial role in the prevention and detection of abuse and the empowerment and protection of older persons who are at risk of or have experienced abuse. Effective training—of professionals, carers, and volunteers—is therefore an important intervention in addressing violence against and abuse and neglect of older persons.

The online event, organized by the UNECE Standing Working Group on Ageing in collaboration with the Joint Programme on Ageing for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, showcased the diversity of approaches in the region to training individuals who interact with older persons.  Different target groups, methods, and aspects of training were highlighted, including the identification of risk factors and signs of abuse, breaking down barriers to seeking help and reporting, and equipping individuals, groups and communities with tools and resources for response.

Emphasizing synergies with SDG 17, the event demonstrated the importance of strong partnerships for addressing abuse of older persons and achieving sustainable development that leaves no one behind. It highlighted concrete actions from across the region that foster safe environments, lives lived in dignity, and full participation in society for older persons. 

Read about the speakers here .