Visiting UN Independent Expert on the human rights of older persons Claudia Mahler on Thursday applauded Bangladesh's safety net program Old Age Allowance, benefiting almost half the older population, and observed that more funding is needed for the scheme.
"The limited budget allocation for this program barely covers the cost of medicines older persons need," she said at a press conference after concluding an 11-day visit in Dhaka.
The UN expert also lauded the Bangladesh government's success in tackling Covid-19 pandemic and appreciated for giving priority to the older persons in getting jabs first.
She also welcomed Bangladesh's dedicated National Policy for Older Persons, as a first commendable step.
However, she said there is a lack of a time-bonding action plan in implementing the national policy.
Mahler also urged the government to implement measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change on older persons and expressed concern that geriatric healthcare is scarce.
She suggested Bangladesh take concrete action to combat entrenched and pervasive ageism and follow through on its planned measures to ensure the human rights protection of older persons.
Acknowledging Bangladesh's ongoing challenges related to climate change and a growing economic and financial crisis, she called upon the government to recognize older persons' experiences, skills, and contributions to their families and society at large.
"Such recognition would enhance support and protection to a growing proportion of the population that remains invisible," Mahler said.
She suggested that specific attention should be given to older persons living in vulnerable situations.
During her visit, the independent expert met with relevant government authorities at national and local levels, civil society, and stakeholders working on the rights of older persons and more than 200 older persons.
"I remain hopeful that Bangladesh will provide the appropriate political will and budgeting to strengthen the protection of older persons in the country," she said.
The expert will present a comprehensive report of her findings and recommendations to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in September 2023.
Mahler, an Austrian national, was appointed by the UN Human Rights Council as an independent expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons in May 2020.
