Doc. 8157
3 July 1998

For a contribution by the Assembly to International Year of the Elderly - 1999

Motion for a recommendation

presented by Mr Michael Hancock and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

      1999 has been designated International Year of the Elderly by the United Nations. The Council of Europe, like the European Union, ought to become involved in this event and make a contribution reflecting its vocation in upholding human rights, particularly the rights of vulnerable population categories, which include the elderly.

      Questions concerning the ethical and political aspects of the rights of the elderly in the medical and social field are not new concerns for the Parliamentary Assembly. They must once again be made a focus of public debate, in view of the challenges now faced by our societies: political power, which is more dependent than ever on globalisation, the power of the media and the growing impact of the population explosion, particularly on the African continent, etc.

      The disintegration of the communist world makes it difficult to challenge capitalism: but what kind of capitalism should be adopted to protect the human rights of the elderly? Which approach should we opt for - the American model or those favoured by Germany and Japan?

      The Assembly therefore recommends, among other measures, that member states and the Committee of Ministers:

i.       develop ideas and proposals to ensure the necessary respect for the social rights, dignity and physical integrity of the elderly in the future;

ii.       closely involve the Council of Europe in the Year designated by the United Nations, through contributions to initiatives fostering the cause of the elderly and solidarity between generations;

iii.       invite the Secretary General of the United Nations to participate in the public debate which the Assembly is to devote to the elderly in 1999.

Signed : ¹

Hancock, United Kingdom, LDR

Colvin, United Kingdom, EDG

Dundee, United Kingdom, EDG

Flynn, United Kingdom, SOC

Fyfe, United Kingdom, SOC

Gregory, Ireland, SOC

Grenfell, United Kingdom, SOC

Martelli, Italy, EDG

Maximus, Belgium, SOC

McNamara, United Kingdom, SOC

O'Hara, United Kingdom, SOC

Ponsonby, United Kingdom, SOC

D. Taylor, United Kingdom, SOC

Wilshire, United Kingdom, EDG

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group