On the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of the Elderly International Day .. Minister of Social Development: The Kingdom continues to enhance the efficiency and quality of the social and welfare servic

30-09-2023

His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfour, Minister of Social Development and Chairman of the National Committee for the Elderly, affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain continues to enhance the efficiency and quality of the social services it provides to various segments of society, including senior citizens, as it pays great attention to the quality of their lives and ensures their active and continuous participation. Within the societal fabric in the Kingdom, in line with the sustainable development goals, and to achieve the goals of the comprehensive development process. This came in a statement by His Excellency on the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of the International Day of Elderly, which the world commemorates at the beginning of October every year, in accordance with what was approved by the United Nations General Assembly in 1990, to celebrate this group, emphasizing the importance of them receiving appreciation and recognition for their various societal contributions and services. necessary to preserve their dignity and ensure their access to a decent life. The United Nations has chosen the title of the theme of this year’s celebration 2023, “Fulfilling the promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights regarding older persons across generations,” with the aim of highlighting the special status of the elderly in all parts of the world, and establishing awareness of the importance of their obtaining all their rights. This is an embodiment of the values of social solidarity. The Minister of Social Development said that this day is an opportunity to highlight the pioneering Bahraini experience at the regional and international levels in the field of welfare, development, health, legal and rehabilitation services for senior citizens to ensure a decent living and quality of life. In this regard, Al-Asfour added that the Kingdom’s interest in the elderly extends over decades, as the National Committee for the Elderly was formed in 1984 to represent the authority responsible for implementing the general policy to care for this group, in addition to the issuance of the Elderly Rights Law in 2009, and the preparation of the National Strategy for the Elderly, which It was approved by the Council of Ministers in 2012, based on the axes of development, providing health and well-being with advancing age, creating a supportive environment for all ages, enhancing the services provided to this group and integrating them into society, in light of an effective community partnership between the government and private sectors and civil society institutions in order to achieve the appropriate status. This category is in gratitude for what you have provided to the country. Within the framework of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s keenness, through its ministries, agencies, civil society organizations and the private sector, to employ sustainable development goals, by following modern frameworks for the concept of caring for the elderly, a number of day care institutions for parents were operated, managed by civil society institutions, which is a pioneering experience in caring for the elderly. The number currently reaches (13) institutions, and more than (1,800) citizens benefit from their services. The Kingdom of Bahrain continues its development leadership in order to protect the rights of the elderly, preserve their dignity, and enhance their contributions to the progress of the Kingdom. It will spare no effort in promoting positive and effective communication with this group, and working diligently to provide them with health and social care, in light of the increasing indicator of community awareness of the importance of their rights.