Moldova is at a turning point in adapting to its rapidly ageing population, according to Claudia Mahler, UN Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons. She called for a human rights-based approach in the development and implementation of national legislation, policies, programs, and practices affecting older persons. Mahler welcomed the recent adoption of a Programme for Active and Healthy Ageing (2023-2027) and commends the increase in the minimum pension rate in 2022. She warned that all the human rights challenges posed by an ageing and shrinking society are mainly seen as social and economic issues, which tend to create dependency rather than an enabling and empowering environment for older persons.
Mahler urged the Government of Moldova to review its vision of ageing and adopt a human rights-based approach when developing and implementing domestic legislation, as well as policies, programmes, and practices affecting older persons. She pointed to recent and ongoing crises, such as the energy crisis and the refugee crisis caused by the Russian Federation’s full-scale armed attack on Ukraine, as how inequalities for older persons have worsened and become more visible over the past two years.
Mahler hopes that the preparation of a new National Human Rights Programme (PNADO) for the period 2023-2027 will contribute to strengthening human rights commitments at the international and regional levels, including for older persons.
CENTRAL EASTERN EUROPE NEWS
Moldova Faces Demographic Ageing Challenge
Follow us
