Muslim Council Of Elders Launches International Charter To Protect Elderly Rights And Dignity

The Vatican, under Pope Leo XIV, hosted its first official event with the Muslim Council of Elders, the Pontifical Academy for Life, and AARP. They launched a charter to support older persons' rights and dignity. This initiative aims to empower seniors, ensuring their independence and societal participation while protecting them from discrimination and neglect.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, and Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan signed the document. It advocates for mechanisms allowing seniors to make informed choices and access personalised healthcare. The charter emphasises respecting personal preferences in healthcare services.

Judge Abdelsalam highlighted the importance of caring for the elderly, viewing them as custodians of cultural identity and experience. He stressed that sharing wisdom across generations strengthens societies during crises and supports a balanced future. The Muslim Council of Elders in Abu Dhabi will actively promote these values.

The charter is pioneering in elder care, underscoring families' roles in supporting seniors. It calls on institutions, governments, and communities to uphold moral responsibilities for all age groups' well-being. Global leaders are urged to adopt policies enhancing aging populations' welfare.

The signatories committed to turning the charter's principles into action by advocating for a dignified life for older persons. They aim to boost scientific research, public policy, and interventions promoting healthier lives for seniors while combating age-based discrimination.

A proposal was made to establish an international body dedicated to achieving the charter's goals. This agency would create a global framework ensuring seniors live with dignity in thriving communities worldwide.

Symposium on Aging Population

The Secretary-General participated in a Vatican symposium titled "The Memory: Addressing the Opportunities and Challenges of an Aging Global Population". This event examined memory's link to human dignity amid global aging challenges. It attracted international officials, leaders, and religious figures globally.

The charter also highlights families' crucial role in supporting older individuals. It stresses shared responsibility among institutions, governments, and communities to ensure long-term prosperity for all ages. The document urges global leaders to engage with national policymakers on effective aging population policies.

With inputs from WAM