Manama: Dr. Jehad Abdulla Al Fadhel, Second Deputy Chairperson of the Shura Council, participated in the Arab Parliamentary Dialogue on Protecting Older Persons from Violence, Abuse, and Neglect, organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). Dr. Al Fadhel emphasised the importance of creating a shared Arab database on best practices in elder care. Such a resource would facilitate the exchange of successful experiences at both parliamentary and governmental levels, promoting the adoption of effective approaches to elder care.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Second Deputy Chairperson called for the establishment of a legal framework to launch a United Nations backed international convention on the rights of the elderly, similar to existing conventions for women, children, and people with disabilities. Dr. Al Fadhel highlighted Bahrain’s Constitution, which guarantees social security for citizens in cases of old age, illness, and other conditions, as outlined in
Article 5. The Constitution also mandates the provision of social insurance, healthcare services, and efforts to prevent poverty. She noted Bahrain’s pioneering role in establishing the first Arab National Committee for the Elderly in 1984, which continues to operate under the Ministry of Social Development with members from public, private, and civil sectors.
Dr. Al Fadhel noted key legislative developments in Bahrain, including the Elderly Rights Law of 2009, passed by the Shura Council and Council of Representatives. This law strengthened health and social care for the elderly, imposed strict penalties for neglect or abuse by caregivers, and ensured access to appropriate healthcare, housing, and social services. She also noted the Social Insurance Law of 2006, which provides financial support to elderly individuals without sufficient means or family support, safeguarding their economic well-being.
Dr. Al Fadhel pointed out that the 2023-2024 national budget allocated BHD 43 million for the Social Securit
y Fund and BHD 355 million for allowances aimed at improving retirees’ living standards, which include elderly beneficiaries. Dr. Al Fadhel highlighted the important role of parliamentarians in contributing to the legal framework for an international convention on the rights of older persons, similar to existing conventions for women, children, and persons with disabilities. She emphasised the need for legal protections for older persons during wars and humanitarian crises, which intensify violence, abuse, and neglect.