Doha, October 01 (QNA) - HE Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) and Chairperson of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah called for strengthening the protection of human rights for the current and future generations of elderly people, within the framework of raising awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

Her Excellency underlined in press statements on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP), that this day is an opportunity to review the current practices of governments and institutions to improve the integration of an approach that includes human rights throughout life and to ensure the effective and meaningful participation of all partners including national human rights institutions, civil society, and older people themselves, as well as work to strengthen solidarity and partnerships between generations.

Al Attiyah explained that this year's IDOP focuses on the special role of the elderly, the importance of them enjoying their rights and addressing the violations against them, by fulfilling the promises of the UDHR. Adding that protecting human rights in general and the rights of the elderly in particular is one of the core aspects of the Islamic and Arabic culture.

The IDOP is an opportunity for governments in cooperation with their partners to promote the principles of independence, care, self-actualization and dignity, as well as integrate the elderly into society, ensuring their well-being and benefiting from their great contributions, all within the framework of belief in basic human rights and the dignity and worth of the individual, enhance social progress and improve the standard of living of vulnerable groups including the elderly, Al Attiyah added.

Her Excellency also called on benefiting from positive global experiences by transferring and learning from them in a way that meets the culture of people around the world.

She noted the efforts made by the State of Qatar in the legislation and procedures to support and promote the rights of the elderly, especially regarding their contribution to sustainable development and enhancing their economic security.

Al Attiyah reviewed some of the laws and decisions in the State of Qatar that would enhance the contribution of the elderly to sustainable development and ensure their economic security, such as the Social Insurance Law and the Council of Ministers Resolution to establish the National Committee for the Affairs of Women, Children, the Elderly, and People with Disabilities.

She also highlighted the role of the Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) and creating many electronic services that facilitate services without attending in person.

She praised the launch of the Istamer platform by the Ministry of Labor for employing Qatari retirees in the private sector based on its commitment to investing in valuable expertise and enhancing the presence of qualified national cadres.

Istamer allows retired citizens from the civil or military sectors to work in the private sector without affecting their pension, in accordance with Law No. (1) of 2022 on Social Security and Law No. (2) of 2022 on Military Retirement, in a step that ensures economic security for the elderly and enhances their level of well-being.

The two laws ensure the increase of the pension by ensuring a minimum pension for all Qatari retirees in the country from the date of issuance at no less than QR 15,000, with the addition of a special housing allowance of QR 4,000, she pointed out.

Al Attiyah highlighted the effective role of civil society institutions, including the Center for Empowerment and Care of the Elderly (Ehsan), and noted the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the NHRC with the Qatar Foundation for Social Work (QFSW), which Ehsan falls under.

The MoU helps support Ehsan's efforts of care and social services for the elderly by helping them overcome economic, social and rehabilitation difficulties, as well as providing treatment and care, nursing and physical therapy services, healthy diet consultations and psychological, social, health and legal consultations.

The Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee showed appreciation towards the progress made by the State of Qatar and the competent authorities in implementing NHRC's recommendations issued in its latest annual report regarding the elderly, most notably the review of pension salaries, while the competent authorities have taken steps to develop programs to integrate the elderly into society and raise awareness of their rights.

Al Attiyah called for the continuation of these efforts towards the people who have done so much for the country.

According to the United Nations (UN), the number of people aged 65 years or older worldwide is projected to more than double, rising from 761 million in 2021 to 1.6 billion in 2050. The number of people aged 80 years or older is growing even faster. (QNA)