PURPOSE: The World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, designated as 15 June, was initiated by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) in 2006, and recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution A/RES/66/127 adopted in 2011. The purpose of the day is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. WEAAD represents the one day in the year when the world voices its opposition to elder abuse, a human rights violation, and enhances the recognition of the dignity of older persons and their right to live free of fear and violence.

FORUM: "Spotlight on Older Persons in Emergencies.” World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2024. Emergencies such as natural disasters, pandemics, or conflicts disproportionately affect older persons, exacerbating their existing vulnerabilities. Addressing their needs in emergency planning and response is crucial, as older individuals often face mobility issues, chronic health conditions, or social isolation. These factors can hinder their ability to access aid, evacuate safely, or receive timely medical care and support services. Additionally, the stress and chaos of emergencies can increase the risk of elder abuse, including physical, emotional, financial, or neglect. WEAAD 2024 also highlights the importance of education and training for emergency responders, caregivers, and the public. By raising awareness about the specific challenges faced by older persons in emergencies, we can foster a more inclusive and protective environment. As we come together to observe WEAAD, let us reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of older persons, ensuring that no one is left behind, especially in times of crisis. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #WorldElderAbuseAwarenessDay, #WEAAD, #Elderabuse, #15June.

EVENTS:  On Friday, 14 June 2024, from 1:15pm – 2:30pm in the Conference Room 11 at UNHQ in New York, a panel discussion will be held to observe the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2024; This year's theme to emphasize the urgent need to protect and support older individuals during crises. It calls on governments, international donors, organizations, and communities to prioritize the safety and well-being of older persons in their emergency preparedness and response strategies. The event objective is to encourage the development of inclusive policies that ensure older persons are not overlooked during crises. Register to participate. Read the Concept Note, check the Programme, explore the Speakers and Panelists Bios and watch he celebration live through UN Webtv.

On Saturday, June 15th, from 14:00 pm to 16:00pm (EDT). An expert panel will present overall trends of violence against older persons, highlight gaps and challenges of implementing the objectives in Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing. Expert panelists will also present five priorities to combat violence against older persons in the Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030). In the context of last year’s commemoration, the World Health Organization in partnership with Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), UN WOMEN and with support from the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA), published Tackling abuse of older people: five priorities for the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021–2030. The resource outlined key priorities to prevent and respond to abuse of older persons and, hence, contribute to improving their health, well-being and dignity.

On Monday 17 June 2024 from 14.30 to 16.00 CET an online webinar entitled “Progress and priorities for ending abuse of older people during the United Nations Decade of Healthy.” held in Geneva by WHO, UN-DESA and INPEA will take place. The webinar will provide an update on progress towards addressing the priorities in Tackling abuse of older people - Five priorities for the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030); Find more information on the Flyer, explore Programme and register for the webinar.

PODCASTS: Every day, seniors fall prey to fraud and financial abuse. They’ve spent decades carefully saving, only to have their nest egg wiped out, sometimes in hours. It’s a low-risk crime, it’s lucrative, and it’s often unreported. Let’s explains how the legal system can change to accommodate elderly victims and what YOU can do to protect your parents, grandparents, and neighbors from elder crime. Listen to the audio-podcasts!

CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Elder crime is shockingly prevalent: one in ten adults over 60 will be abused in their lifetime. It could be physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect. Often at the hands of family members. The Elder Abuse: Shift Your Perspective campaign includes a series of videos which prompt perpetrators to consider how their behaviour might be affecting older people in their lives. Get the Campaign materials!