Haki Yetu Organisation is joining the world in commemorating World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) which is held each year on 15 June to highlight one of the worst manifestations of ageism and inequality in our society, elder abuse. Elder abuse is any act which causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust such as a family member or friend.The day was officially recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 66/127, December 2011, following a request by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA), who first established the commemoration in June 2006. It represents the one day in the year when the whole world voices its opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted to some of our older generations.
Haki Yetu Organisation has since 2012 been working with and for communities in Kilifi and Kwale counties in a Peace Program dubbed “MVI SI UCHAWI UZEE NI HEKIMA” aimed at ending the killing of elders in the two counties over claims of witchcraft. The organisation has in this period partnered with community stakeholders and players in the justice administration system with a view of ending the killings which are against human rights.
Haki Yetu has this year commissioned a research over the killings with a view of ascertaining the causes, trends, and gaps in the protection of the elders in its renewed efforts to end the blatant disregard for the right to life as enshrined in the Constitution. We call upon the community, stakeholders and rights based organisations to join us in our campaign against the killing of elders in Kilifi and Kwale counties, and in encouraging alternative dispute resolution mechanisms as a means of promoting peaceful coexistence in our communities.
Institutions and organisations who would like to join us in this noble campaign can reach out to us: info@hakiyetu.ke
Dated: 15.06.2022, Mombasa.
Haki Yetu/Barack Oduor
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