Our Minister Derya YANIK Participated in the 12th Session of the UN Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing via Video Message
The 12th Session of the Open-Ended Working Group on Aging, which was established by the UN General Assembly to evaluate the current international human rights framework for old persons, and to identify possible gaps within this framework and to consider appropriate tools and measures, was held this year on 11-14 April 2022.
The main theme of the session held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York was "Strengthening the Protection of the Human Rights of Older Persons ". In this context, the main topics to be focused on are the contribution of old persons to sustainable development, the rights of the old persons during the Covid-19 pandemic, economic security, the right to work and access to employment, and access to justice.
Derya YANIK, Minister of Family and Social Services, attended the 12th Session of the Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing with a video message.
Minister YANIK stated that Türkiye's old age policy was shaped in line with the goal of progress "without leaving anyone behind" within the scope of sustainable development goals, and that the services offered in line with the policy adopted in this context were handled with an inclusive and holistic approach.
YANIK stated that within the scope of the 2030 Ageing Vision Document and Action Plan prepared under the coordination of the Ministry, a policy framework has been established within the framework of active and healthy ageing, which will expand the individual movement area of old persons within the strengthened family unity and encourage their participation in social life.
Stating that in addition to the studies carried out at the national level, there is an active participation in international platforms on ageing, Minister YANIK concluded her speech by emphasizing that Türkiye is highly motivated to continue its active participation in the Open-Ended Working Group and to take concrete steps regarding human rights for old persons.
On the first day of the session, measures for the protection of the human rights and dignity of old persons were discussed and experience sharing was realized between countries. Examples of good practices for these measures and the content of multidimensional legal instruments planned to be created in the field of old age were discussed.
On the second day of the session, the contribution of old persons to sustainable development goals was discussed.
On the third day, when economic security and the human rights of old persons in the Covid-19 pandemic were discussed, the measures taken and services provided for old persons in Türkiye during the Covid-19 pandemic were explained by the General Directorate of Services for Persons with Disabilities and the Elderly.
Emphasizing that the services provided to old persons during the pandemic process are maintained and developed with the "universal human rights approach" policy, detailed information was given about the measures taken for old persons receiving care in nursing homes and old persons living in their homes, and examples of good practices were shared