Zimbabwe urged to strengthen social security for elderly

Published: 11 hours ago

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has urged government to domesticate and fully implement African Union (AU) protocols on the rights of older persons, warning that without stronger protections and resources, retirees risk sliding into destitution.

Marking the International Day of Older Persons, commemorated under the theme *"Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being and Our Rights,"* the ZHRC stressed that the rights and welfare of older people must be treated as a priority.

"The ZHRC calls on the government of Zimbabwe to domesticate and implement provisions of the AU Protocols protecting the rights of older persons it is party to. In particular, the commission urges the government to avail resources for the provision of social security for older persons, including meaningful pensions so that retired people do not become destitute," the commission said in a statement.

Zimbabwe ratified two AU instruments in 2024-the 2016 Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons and the 2022 Protocol on Social Protection and Social Security. Locally, the government has also enacted laws to protect dignity, guarantee care facilities, expand social protection schemes such as harmonised cash transfers, address food insecurity, prevent age-based discrimination, and shield older persons from abuse and exploitation.

However, the ZHRC noted that despite these progressive frameworks, many older people continue to face barriers in realising their constitutional rights. Challenges include discrimination within families and public spaces, harmful stereotypes-particularly witchcraft accusations directed at older women-limited access to healthcare, inadequate social protection, isolation, neglect, and sometimes outright abuse by relatives or caregivers.

"These challenges are compounded by limited or ineffective enforcement of laws that protect older persons from violations of their fundamental rights and entitlements," the ZHRC added.

The commission reiterated that meaningful pensions, effective social security systems, and strong enforcement of protections are critical if Zimbabwe is to uphold the dignity and well-being of its older citizens.
- NewZimbabwe

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