Effective fight against discrimination, violence, abuse and neglect of the elderly, as well as dignified aging and intergenerational solidarity, are essential in every responsible society, said Commissioner for the Protection of Equality Brankica Jakovic on the occasion of June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

At the opening of the exhibition”Open Your Eyes”, Janković pointed out that only timely and comprehensive cooperation of all authorities in the system of protection against violence can give results, reminding that the institution of  Commissioner has prepared a Special Report on Discrimination against the Elderly in order to contribute to the improvement of the position of our oldest citizens and the solution of various problems, including violence, and initiated the adoption of measures and the implementation of activities that will contribute to the respect of the elderly and their dignified aging.

Commissioner stated that violence against the elderly often goes unnoticed, also because of their personal attitude and shame to report it, but also because of deep prejudices and stereotypes about this population. We must not allow ageism to become the dominant form of discrimination in 21st century, but we should act in preventive and proactive manner, concluded Jankovic.

The exhibition on the occasion of the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a joint event organized by the Serbian Red Cross, the EU Delegation, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), Embassies Of Austria and Australia and the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality.