Brankica Janković, the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality extended best wishes to all senior citizens on the occasion of the 1st October, the International Day of Older Persons.
The Commissioner said that in 2015 almost 10 per cent of all complaints received by the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality pertain to alleged discrimination on the grounds of age, primarily in the area of labor and employment as well as those related to procedures before public authorities, followed by education and professional development as well as healthcare.
Statistics do not often reflect the real situation as the discrimination of older persons is still a taboo in our society, said Commissioner Janković, adding that this phenomenon is the result of ignorance or poor upbringing.
Almost 1,300,00 people living in Serbia are 65 years and older. This fact alone is enough of a reason for us to strive towards a more tolerant society which would ensure a dignified life for our elderly citizens. Efficient fight against discrimination and violence as well as solidarity among different generations is not only an obligation, but a moral imperative in every responsible society, concluded the Commissioner.
