Derya Yanık, Minister of Family and Social Services, attended the 13th Session of the United Nations (UN) Open-Ended Working Group on Aging by video message and presented her country statement in the field of aging.
The 13th Session of the Open-Ended Working Group on Aging, which was established by the UN General Assembly to evaluate the current international human rights framework for the elderly and to identify possible gaps within this framework and to consider appropriate tools and measures, will be held this year between 3-6 April 2023. took place between
The focus topics of the Session, which was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and held under different sub-titles within the framework of the main theme of "Strengthening the Protection of the Human Rights of Elderly Persons" every year, were determined as "Health and Right to Access to Health Services" and "Social Inclusion" this year.
Derya Yanık, Minister of Family and Social Services, attended the 13th Session of the Open-Ended Working Group on Aging by video message and presented her country statement in the field of aging.
“Aging Vision Document and Action Plan” Will Be Published
Minister Yanık stated that the elderly population in Turkey has increased by 5 percent in the last 22,6 years, and that in this context, policies and services regarding old age have been developed in line with the requirements brought by this demographic transformation process.
Stating that Turkey's priority approach, including disasters and humanitarian emergencies, is to spend the old age process within the framework of active and healthy aging by elderly individuals without leaving anyone behind on the path of sustainable development, Minister Yanık, with the perspective of active and healthy aging, in order to strengthen the rights of elderly individuals in the field of old age. He stated that the “Aging Vision Document and Action Plan” was prepared to guide policy and services and it is planned to be published at the end of this month.
In the continuation of the statement, Yanık reminded that the “Report of the Parliamentary Research Commission Established to Investigate the Problems the Elderly Experience in Various Areas of Life and Determine the Measures to be Taken” was published in February, and stated that the “Turkey Elderly Profile Research”, the first research in the field of aging, was carried out in order to develop evidence-based policies.
“We attach great importance to international experience sharing and cooperation in the field of aging”
Minister Yanık emphasized that all elderly people in Turkey have access to affordable and quality health and care services without any discrimination, and besides, digital and financial literacy trainings, support technologies to strengthen independent living, age-friendly and accessible to support the participation of elderly people in social life. He stated that various policies and services such as discounts or exemptions in social, cultural and sports activities and the right to free travel are offered.
Minister Yanik said, “As one of the 8 member states represented in the UN Permanent Working Group on Aging, we attach great importance to international experience sharing and cooperation in the field of aging,” Minister Yanık said, “It will be a legally binding document that will contribute to the progress in the realization of the human rights of the elderly. We would like to express our willingness to exchange experiences and views on the Convention on the Rights of Individuals.” used his statements.