Time and again, older persons are abused socially, physically, sexually, economically and psychologically. Their basic human rights such as the right to life and liberty, the right to work, the right to freedom from discrimination are violated. They suffer dispossession of property by individuals, families or the community and are, among other things, accused of witchcraft, preventing or causing too much rain for which they are tortured and assaulted.
This situation arises because they live in isolation or they are too frail to defend themselves and there are no mechanisms to protect them. These scenarios deny older persons their rights to live secure and dignified life. This calls for a concerted attention from Government, human rights organizations, activists, service providers, and law enforcement units.
