New york: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia emphasized the necessity of bolstering international efforts to safeguard older individuals, especially those with disabilities, ensuring their rights, dignity, and full societal participation.

According to Saudi Press Agency, this assertion was made in a statement by Saudi Arabia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Abdulaziz Alwasil. He spoke on behalf of the Group of Friends on Ageing and Sustainable Development during a side event at the 19th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, held in New York.

Alwasil highlighted that elder abuse is a worldwide concern that demands a collective response. He noted that about 46% of individuals aged 60 and over live with some form of disability, and one in six older persons faces some kind of abuse, with heightened risks for those with disabilities and other vulnerable populations.

He called for addressing data gaps and enhancing age and disability disaggregated data. He also stressed the need for strengthening legal frameworks, improving care and support services, increasing oversight of long-term care institutions, and developing reporting and protection mechanisms to uphold the rights and dignity of older persons.

He confirmed the significance of ongoing efforts to create safe and inclusive environments for older individuals, enabling them to contribute effectively to their communities, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals and the principles of justice, equity, and leaving no one behind.