Qatar Attaches Great Importance to Human Rights of Elderly
Geneva - Information Office - September 12
The State of Qatar has affirmed that it attaches great importance to the human rights of the elderly and considers it as one of the main priorities of the governmental and non-governmental national efforts.
The State of Qatar in this regard adopted legislations protecting the rights of this category and established relevant institutions such as the Elderly Empowerment and Care Centre (Ehsan).
This came in a speech of the State of Qatar delivered by the First Secretary at the Permanent Mission to Geneva Maha Al Mudadi during the interactive dialogue with the independent expert on the full enjoyment of all human rights by the elderly at the 36th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, held during the period from September 11-29.
Maha Al Mudadi said that assistive technology and technology based on automatic control could contribute to enabling older persons to live in dignity, independence and on an equal basis with others without any discrimination.
This technology should enhance the opportunities for social interaction for the elderly and encourage them to become more connected and integrated into the family and society, as well as helping them participate fully in all aspects of life.
This technology, she said, should not use to neglect, exclude and isolate the elderly from their natural surroundings and family environment, which are contrary to the values of humanity of affection and compassion.
The State of Qatar had integrated the rights of elderly people into all relevant national strategies. For example, she said, the Ministry of Transport and Communications launched Wasla Intergenerational ICT Learning Program as an innovative initiative aimed at enabling elderly people to benefit from digital technology by providing them with ICT skills with the help of their sons and younger relatives.
The First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to Geneva pointed out that Wasla program is being implemented through holding training courses organized by Tamkeen Center in cooperation with Mada Assistive Technology Centre. Through these courses, the elderly are able to rely on themselves in the field of technological development, invest their time in productive work, overcome the challenges they face, and exercise their natural right to communicate with all members of society.