Age International and HelpAge report: If not now, when?
Published on 24 November 2020 10:36 AM
Media advisory - Under embargo until 26th November 2020
A new report from aid agencies Age International and HelpAge International, 'If not now, when?' criticises the humanitarian sector for its failure to address the needs of older people in emergencies. This failure contravenes several international commitments made in recent years and flies in the face of humanitarian principles.
The report uses information gathered from interviews with almost 9,000 older people affected by natural disasters, conflict or socioeconomic crises in 11 countries, including Syria, Yemen, Ethiopia and Pakistan.
It shows how older people, despite the risks they face during emergencies, are marginalised and in some cases excluded by the humanitarian aid response. The report criticises the humanitarian sector for adopting a ‘one size fits all’ aid approach which fails to take into account the specific needs of older people.
This situation has been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has thrown into stark relief the gulf between the risks facing older people and the level of support available to them.
'If not now, when?' provides urgent recommendations for humanitarian actors, donors and agencies for an inclusive humanitarian response for older people.
Spokespeople
For further information, interviews or case studies please contact: Louise Orton at louise.orton@helpage.org, +44 7939141764. Spokespeople are available in London to speak about the global messages of the report and we have spokespeople on the ground in South Sudan, Ethiopia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Venezuela and Yemen.
About Age International
Age International is a charity focusing on older people in developing countries. It is a subsidiary charity of Age UK, a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and the UK member of the global HelpAge network.
Age International raises funds in the UK to support the relief and development work of HelpAge in over 30 developing countries. It also raises awareness in the UK about the needs of older people in developing countries. And it engages in influencing and campaigning work in the UK to change policies and approaches towards older people.
About HelpAge International
HelpAge International is a global network of organisations promoting the right of all older people to lead dignified, healthy and secure lives. Our mission is to promote the wellbeing and inclusion of older women and men, and to reduce poverty and discrimination in later life. For further information, please visit www.helpage.org