Nurturing a Positively Sensitive and Inclusive Society: A Human Rights Framework for the Protection of Older Persons in Nigeria

Globally, the population of ageing persons is increasing. It is estimated that there are over 962 million people over the age of 60 in the world who make up 13 per cent of the world global population. Domestically, the number and proportion of those aged 65 years and above make up an approximated 140, 431,70 million which is an approximated 4.3 per cent of the total population in Nigeria. The human right of older people is, however, yet to receive adequate human rights attention, despite the significance of this population. Many older people suffer human rights violations ranging from discrimination, social and political exclusion, poverty, neglect, isolation and undignifying abuse. This is worse for the poorer ones who are forced to live in deplorable accommodation and environments, especially in rural areas or urban ghettos and slums. The government is yet to develop suitable policies, laws and socio-economic and welfare programs that will effectively cater for the human rights interests of the elderly people and the society is not sensitive to their plight. This study examines the human rights-related problems and challenges of older persons and calls for a specific human rights approach to elderly well-being in Nigeria. The study highlights some of the ways which the Nigeria Government can develop lasting and beneficial economic and socio-welfare policies and programmes for older people. It further recommends a human rights-based framework that will meet the economic, health, social, psychological and mental wellbeing, needs and other challenges of aged people.