Protection of Older People in Humanitarian Settings

Why is it important to consider protection needs of older people in humanitarian responses?

• Our population is aging, it is estimated that by 2050, 22% of the global population will be over 60 years &nearly 80% of the world’s older people will live in developing economies, where disasters are more likely to occur, and their effects are felt more acutely

• The situation in Ukraine has been described as the oldest humanitarian crisis in the world, with 8.9 million people, or 24% of the population, over 60.

• Older people have immense strengths and capacities to contribute to society (i.e., caring for others, role models, Indigenous wisdom, life experience, community leaders, etc.)

• Older people's specific needs are often neglected in humanitarian protection and assistance

• The protection issues that older people face may arise from human rights violations, from problems at individual, family or community level that are exacerbated by a crisis.

• Therefore, it is essential to undertake a comprehensive assessment, to consider contextual issues, and to ensure older people’s participation in assessments and decisionmaking.