Doha, June 15 (QNA) - The Ehsan Center for Empowerment and Care of the Elderly, part of the Qatar Social Work Foundation, has launched an awareness initiative to mark the World Day of Awareness of Elder Abuse, aiming to strengthen community understanding of the rights of older persons and reinforce their protection from all forms of abuse and neglect.

The initiative seeks to highlight the importance of safeguarding older persons and promoting respect and appreciation for them as a fundamental pillar of the family and society.

Ehsan Center said the effort stems from its commitment to supporting and empowering older persons, while shedding light on challenges they may face, including neglect, isolation, marginalization, or any practices that compromise their dignity and right to safe and independent living.

It includes a range of awareness and media materials to be shared across social media platforms and various media outlets, with the aim of enhancing public awareness, encouraging positive societal behavior, and fostering a safe and supportive environment for older persons.

Executive Director of Ehsan Center Manal Ahmed Al Mannai stressed that protecting older persons is a social and moral responsibility requiring collective action from individuals and institutions alike.

She said elder abuse is not merely an individual issue, but a societal one that affects human values and social cohesion, adding that the initiative aims to promote respect, dignity, and appreciation for older persons and ensure they live in safety, independence, and dignity.

She also noted that the initiative reflects the center’s mission to build a more inclusive and supportive society, and to enhance the active participation of older persons in community life in recognition of their contributions across generations.

The center called on the public and institutions to help raise awareness, confront all forms of abuse, and promote a culture of care, respect, and protection for older persons, while continuing to improve their quality of life and wellbeing. (QNA)