Ranil Kumar 
Assistant Minister for Women, Sashi Kiran, says people owe it to the elderly to age with dignity and quality of life in the place where they live.
Kiran made a comment at the commemoration of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day this morning for the residents of Golden Age Home.
The Assistant Minister says in the 2017 National Census, 10.6% of the total population were older persons, which is 93,745 Fijians over the age of 60.
She says the number will change as people are expected to live longer in Fiji and around the globe.
She emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing elder abuse and promoting the well-being of seniors in society.
“The studies have confirmed that violence against older women is widespread but mostly hidden. It occurs in numerous, often intersecting ways, inflicted by a variety of perpetrators, including intimate partners or spouses, family members, caregivers both in homes and institutional settings, and community members.”
Kiran highlighted that everyone has the right to feel safe, live honourably, and be treated with respect, regardless of age, race, or creed.
She says the coalition government is committed to protecting the rights of older people and will keep reviewing current laws and social protection programs.
The commemoration today aims to raise awareness about this pressing issue and highlight the importance of safeguarding the rights and dignity of the elderly population.
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