Commissioner for Protection of Equality Brankica Jankovic and President of the National Assembly Ivica Dacic jointly organized a public hearing in the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia on the occasion of the presentation of the Special Report on Discrimination against the Elderly, prepared by the Commissioner’s institution with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

“Respect and protection of the human rights of senior citizens is extremely important and must be placed in the focus of public policies, because our oldest are a valuable source of knowledge and experience. As a society, we have an advantage and potential, in accordance with our cultural identity and good tradition, which implies respect for senior citizens and relations of intergenerational solidarity and understanding “- from the address of the Commissioner.

The report has been prepared to present the current situation and challenges of equality, as well as possible ways to overcome the problem. Improving the position of the elderly implies continuous work and the use of all available legal mechanisms, in order for this process to be successful. The report also presents the results of a survey on the position of the elderly in Serbia conducted by the Commissioner last year, in cooperation with UNFPA.

A special part of the report is dedicated to proactive policies and recommendations for improving the position of the elderly, which relate, among other things, to social security, social inclusion, prevention of discrimination and violence, improvement of the health care system and changes in social protection regulations.

“Intergenerational solidarity is extremely important and we must nurture and promote it. That is why I consider important to organize a public hearing in the Assembly and to discuss the problems that the elderly are facing. “- from the address of the President of the National Assembly Ivica Dacic.

At the beginning of the meeting, the participants were addressed by the President of the National Assembly Ivica Dacic, the Head of the EU Delegation Sam Fabrizi, the UN Permanent Coordinator Francoise Jacob, and a video message from UNFPA Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Alana Armitage was broadcast.

After the presentation of the most important data from the Special Report, two panels were held dedicated to the intersectional cooperation of state bodies and the role of the civil sector in improving the position of the elderly. The last part of the gathering is dedicated to good practices for the future and the launch of the UNFPA campaign and the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality “Looking to the Future”.

“The increase in the share of older people in society is, among other things, the result of a healthier and longer life, better conditions and a higher standard of living. We have to face reality and use its potentials. Demographic aging needs to be viewed positively, and the Special Report provides the right guidelines for this. We at UNFPA are ready to support the Government’s efforts in promoting healthy aging and creating a society for all generations in Serbia. “- from the address of John Mosoti, UNFPA Director in Serbia.