The Rights of Older Persons in Somalia should be prioritized during the consultation of amendments and constitutional review process of the Somali Federal Republic 

As the constitution review process in Somalia was launched after the Somali federal parliament approved it, the civil society organizations have a vital task to accomplish during the constitutional review process which focuses on key human rights issues and policy guidelines including the rights of older persons in Somalia.

Continuous neglect, isolation, lack of consideration and exclusion in humanitarian emergencies, recovery and development interventions, inadequate health care, lack of social services, and poor quality of life have impacted and hampered the care, development, and well-being of older persons in Somalia. 

Somali HelpAge is a voice, that stands for and advocates for stopping the abuse of older persons at workplaces, and domestic violence and encourages older person engagement into political and social participation as violence against older persons increases and continues to unfold in our day-to-day lives, we have to ensure that Somalia becomes a society FREE FROM ELDER ABUSE and older persons should feel safe and receive their necessary social services to ensure they live in health and happier lives

Therefore, we would like to bring to your attention, especially to the United Nations, the international community and other relevant stakeholders to work together and encourage the members from the lower House and Senate of the Somali Federal Parliament to prioritize and give more support and focus on issues that matter most to the vulnerable groups in the community and include the amendment of the constitutional review process all the relevant articles, policy guidelines, and  framework that are entitled to safeguard, protect and promote the rights and wellbeing of older persons in Somalia

Somali HelpAge appeals to both the lower and senate house of the Somali Federal Parliament to establish the National Independent Commission on Older Persons and include the amendments to the constitution 

We urge all the relevant authorities including Somali Federal Parliament and Senate representatives to support us in ensuring that the rights and interests of older persons in Somalia are preserved, respected, and protected in the review process of the Somali Federal constitution 

We wish all parties to understand the importance of the call for action.

Sincerely 

Mr. Abdirahman H Mohamed 

Public Relations Unit 

Somali HelpAge Association 

Mogadishu, Somalia