Commission calls for redress of older people’s rights

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (HRC) has published a report which identifies the rights of older people in Northern Ireland are being ignored.

The report, ‘Enhancing the Rights of Older People’ was commissioned by the Human Rights Commission and was authored by community care solicitor Maura McCallion in order to address the current needs of NI’s over 65s which account for 13 per cent of NI’s population.

The report evaluates current laws, policies and practices in Northern Ireland against the standards established under international human rights law, European equality law and relevant national law such as section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

The main finding of the Report identifies that while there are several international instruments protecting and promoting the rights of older people, laws, policies and practices in Northern Ireland still discriminate directly and indirectly against older people in the enjoyment of their human rights in the seven areas covered by the review: social care, health care, transport, income levels, housing, education and employment.

The report states: “This difference of treatment by reason of age arguably contravenes the Human Rights Act 1998, which incorporates the European Convention of Human Rights into the legal system of Northern Ireland.”

Brice Dickson, Chief Commissioner of the HRC, said: “The researcher has drawn attention to a whole range of human rights abuses which older people in Northern Ireland suffer. Northern Ireland Government Departments, other public bodies and the Commission itself will now have to sit down and consider what changes they should seek to bring about to end these abuses.”

Maura McCallion, author of the Review, added: “This report highlights the difficult social and economic situation in which many older people in Northern Ireland find themselves. There is a need for government action to combat age discrimination and to promote equality of opportunity if the fundamental rights of people at one of the most vulnerable stages of life are to be truly respected.”

A full copy of ‘Enhancing the Rights of Older People’ may be obtained from the Human Rights Commission by calling 028 9024 3987. (AMcE)