Saudi Arabia Affirms Importance of Protecting Older Persons with Disabilities, Strengthening Care Policies

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia affirmed the importance of enhancing international efforts to protect older persons, particularly persons with disabilities, and ensuring they enjoy their rights, dignity, and full participation in society.

 This came in a statement by Saudi Arabia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Abdulaziz Alwasil, on behalf of the Group of Friends on Ageing and Sustainable Development, during a side event held yesterday in New York on the sidelines of the 19th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

 Alwasil stated that elder abuse is a global issue requiring collective response, noting that approximately 46% of persons aged 60 and over live with some form of disability, and that one in six older persons experiences some form of abuse, with higher risks for persons with disabilities and more vulnerable groups.

 He called for addressing data gaps and strengthening age and disability disaggregated data, strengthening legal frameworks, improving care and support services, enhancing oversight of long-term care institutions, and developing reporting and protection mechanisms to safeguard older persons' rights and dignity.

 He affirmed the importance of continuing efforts to ensure safe and inclusive environments for older persons, enabling them to contribute effectively to their communities, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and the principles of justice, equity, and leaving no one behind.