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Dr. Esther Ben-Haim at UN working group
On 3.4.2023 - 6.4.2023, the UN open-ended working group on ageing convened in New York and discussed different aspects of the challenges facing countries pertaining to the rights of older persons. The discussion included presentations by different member countries of commendable initiatives taken by them in the field of older persons' rights.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel chose the work of the Office of the Ombudsman in the field of older persons - including the special report on older persons that was presented by State Comptroller and Ombudsman, Mr. Matanyahu Englman, to the Israeli parliament in February 2023 - to represent Israel at the discussions of the working group.
The publication of the special report, titled "Challenges and Goals in Providing Services for Older Persons - Lessons Learned from the Investigation of Complaints" (the full report in English can be found in the download section below), has aroused enormous interest among bodies dealing with the rights of older persons, not only in Israel but also in the international arena. The special report also includes the main findings of a questionnaire on the handling of complaints of older persons that was sent out to over 200 ombuds institutions across the globe. A full analysis of the findings of the questionnaire will be published in English in the near future.
In her prerecorded presentation, which was broadcasted at the opening session of the UN working group, Dr. Esther Ben-Haim spoke about the extensive work of the Office of the Ombudsman for the benefit of the community of older persons, and shared highlights from the special report.
In the words of Dr. Ben-Haim:
"The Covid-19 pandemic made the Office more aware than ever of the difficulties facing older persons, highlighting the need to focus its activity on this community. We are committed to paying special attention to the community of older persons and to assisting in the take-up and protection of their rights, in accordance with the Biblical commandment: You should honor the aged".
Source: The Office of the State Comptroller and Ombudsman of Israel
