World Day for Social Justice: shining the light on the elderly in emergency situations

(Vatican Radio) The World Day of Social Justice is held on February 20 and aims to promote poverty eradication and social integration.

Established by the United Nations and first observed in 2009, this observance supports efforts of the international community in poverty eradication, the promotion of full employment and decent work, gender equity and access to social well-being and justice for all.

HelpAge International, the charity which works to ensure older people lead dignified, active healthy and secure lives has chosen the World Day of Social Justice to call for better support for older people during emergency and recovery situations.

Silvia Stefanoni is Director of Programmes and Policy at HelpAge International. She points out that a new research in different places which have been hit by disasters, confirms that the needs of older people are not being met despite the fact that they form one of the most vulnerable groups.

Speaking to Vatican Radio’s Linda Bordoni, Stefanoni says that older people are amongst the most vulnerable in emergencies, yet their needs are often overlooked.

Listen to the interview…

Stefanoni explains that despite the fact that about 11% of the world’s population is aged 60 and above, less than 1% of humanitarian aid (allocated via the flash appeal process) was allocated to older people in 2010 and 2011.

She says that when a humanitarian crisis arises, older people are particularly vulnerable to injury, death, neglect and disease. And she says – their fate often goes unnoticed – because they are often unable to travel to refugee camps where aid is being distributed or else they are left behind to look after small children and disabled members of the community.

Stefanoni also points out that in fact we need to include older people in relief efforts and programmes so they can actively participate in planning and explain their needs to camp and government authorities. While older people need targeted support, they also offer wisdom and experience that is vital to recovery.