Statement Released on the Occasion of 'Elder Abuse Prevention Day'
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwanju] On the 15th, Choi Young-ae, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, delivered a message on the occasion of the 'Elder Abuse Prevention Day' and the 'World Elder Abuse Awareness Day,' expressing hope that "our society will pay even more special attention to the basic human rights protection and the dignified daily life enjoyment of the elderly."
In her statement, Chairperson Choi emphasized, "As revealed during the COVID-19 situation, aging does not simply mean getting older, but also means that the elderly become vulnerable during social disasters like the current one," adding, "Therefore, we must socially publicize the urgency of elderly human rights and make every effort to protect and promote the human rights of the elderly."
Chairperson Choi expressed concern about elder abuse occurring throughout our society. She pointed out, "The number of abuse cases increased from 2,674 in 2009 to 5,243 in 2019, nearly doubling," and noted, "Within all abuse cases lies the immense suffering experienced by each elderly individual, and it is predicted that there are also many elderly people enduring abuse without it being known externally."
Furthermore, Chairperson Choi stated, "Due to the spread and prolongation of the COVID-19 disaster, we are living with a renewed awareness that human rights are the most important and foremost value," and emphasized, "The Human Rights Commission will also spare no effort to protect and promote the human rights of the elderly in our society·and to eliminate prejudice, discrimination, and hatred."
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