The Shura Council State of Qatar

The Shura Council participated in the Arab parliamentary dialogue on enhancing the role of parliamentarians in protecting older persons from violence, abuse and neglect, which was held via videoconference and organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), with the participation of members of Arab parliaments and experts from a number of countries.
The Council was represented at the event by Her Excellency Ms. Amina bint Yousuf Al-Jaidah, Member of the Shura Council.
The dialogue included an introductory session featuring a presentation of the final results of a specialized study on abuse experienced by older persons in the Arab region, highlighting gaps in national legal frameworks and the lack of sufficient data—which does not imply the absence of the phenomenon—along with emphasizing the role of parliamentarians in enacting legislation that criminalizes violence and neglect and ensures protection and support mechanisms.
In the first session, participants reviewed leading regional and international experiences in legislating the protection of older persons from violence and abuse, including a presentation of the Arab Guiding Law for Older Persons, as well as experiences from other countries that may be beneficial in the Arab context, in addition to interactive discussions within a question-and-answer segment.
The second session was dedicated to exchanging parliamentary perspectives and experiences in the field of protecting older persons, following up on the implementation of the International Plan of Action on Ageing, and focusing on strengthening legislation and policies concerned with protecting this group in Arab countries.
The event concluded with a closing session devoted to presenting practical steps that parliamentarians can adopt in the coming phase, particularly with regard to their expected role in the fifth regional review of the International Plan of Action on Ageing, whether in terms of legislation, oversight, or mobilizing political support to ensure comprehensive and effective protection for older persons in Arab countries.