The Red Cross of Serbia, in cooperation with the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality and UNFPA Serbia, marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on 15 June with an event held at Europe House in Belgrade. The gathering brought together representatives of public institutions, international organizations, civil society organizations, experts, and older persons, with the aim of drawing attention to violence against older persons as a serious social and public health issue, but above all as a human rights concern.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day has been observed globally since 2006, while in Serbia it has been marked since 2007 at the initiative of the Red Cross of Serbia and the HumanaS network.

The programme was moderated by Natasa Todorovic from the Red Cross of Serbia, who reminded participants that violence against older persons remains one of the most overlooked human rights violations and that protecting the dignity, equality, and safety of older people requires joint action by institutions, international organizations, and civil society.

The event was opened by Milan Antonijevic, Commissioner for the Protection of Equality of the Republic of Serbia, and Borka Jeremic, Head of the UNFPA Office in Serbia, who highlighted the importance of protecting the human rights of older persons, combating discrimination, and building a society for all generations.

Following the opening remarks, participants had the opportunity to watch an excerpt from the play Waiting for the Rain, performed by the Artichoke Association from Novi Sad. The play was developed within the international project Age Against the Machine and, through artistic expression, addressed issues of ageism, loneliness, intergenerational solidarity, and the position of older persons in contemporary society.

The central part of the event was the panel discussion entitled “Towards the First United Nations Convention on the Rights of Older Persons: Dignity, Equality and Human Rights at Every Stage of Life.” The panel featured Tanja Venisnik, Human Rights Policy Adviser at HelpAge International; Claudia Mahler, former United Nations Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons; Natasa Todorovic, psychologist and senior associate of the Red Cross of Serbia; Bojana Milenovic, Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs; and Khaled Hassine, Secretary of the United Nations Open-ended Working Group on Ageing.

During the discussion, speakers emphasized that violence against older persons is not only a matter of social or health protection but, above all, a human rights issue. Particular attention was given to the historic decision of the United Nations Human Rights Council to initiate the process of drafting the first United Nations Convention on the Rights of Older Persons, which is expected to strengthen protection against discrimination, violence, neglect, and social exclusion.

The speakers highlighted the importance of involving older persons themselves in decision-making processes, as well as the crucial role of civil society organizations, national human rights institutions, and Member States in shaping the future Convention. Special emphasis was placed on combating ageism, improving long-term care systems, and developing support services that enable older people to live with dignity.

In her presentation, Natasa Todorovic stressed that violence against older persons often remains invisible because it is still viewed as a private or family matter rather than as a violation of fundamental human rights. She emphasized that combating violence begins with combating ageism and that it is essential to develop policies and services that provide older persons with greater security, autonomy, and equal participation in society.

The event concluded with an inspiring video message from Amal Abou Rafeh, Head of the Programme on Ageing at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), who highlighted the importance of global cooperation and the historic opportunity for the international community to strengthen the protection of older persons’ human rights through the development of the first United Nations Convention on the Rights of Older Persons.

The message of this year’s observance was clear: older persons have the right to dignity, safety, autonomy, and a life free from violence. Preventing violence against older persons requires not only raising awareness but also strengthening protection systems, expanding accessible services, and consistently applying human rights principles in all areas of life.

The Red Cross of Serbia will continue, together with its partners, to work towards protecting the rights of older persons and building a society that leaves no one behind.