The UAE allocates around AED1 billion annually to care for about 14,000 elderly people, as part of a comprehensive strategy based on two roles,Saeed Ahmed Al Jarwan, Third Secretary of the UAE’s Permanent Mission in Geneva, said in a speech during the 36th session of the Human Rights Council, as part of an interactive dialogue with Rosa Kornfeld-Matte, an independent expert on the rights of elderly people.

''The first role is to offer medical assistance according to international standards while making available the latest medication and types of treatment, as well as adopting mental stimulation rooms and other supporting technologies, with the aim of limiting the effects of senility,'' he stated.

'' The second role is to promote awareness among families in their homes about the correct methods of care, as well as rehabilitating elderly people then returning them to their families, and organising training sessions for their careers on the correct methods of their care while urging them to live in their homes with their families in a safe and stable environment, based on the nation’s belief that the presence of elderly people with their families is an ethical and social duty that promotes family integration,'' he explained.

At the beginning of his speech, Al Jarwan welcomed Kornfeld-Matte and expressed appreciation for her report which highlighted the importance of technology in assisting elderly people and its positive role in developing new care methods for them.

The speech stressed that it is highly important for elderly people to benefit from advanced technologies, such as robots, artificial intelligence, automation and other inventions that guarantee their independence of movement and provide them with the necessary information to improve their daily lives, especially those isolated. The country’s speech also agreed with the view of Kornfeld-Matte that these developments will not achieve the desired results unless they are integrated into a legislative framework, which ensures the technological rights of elderly people. It also recommended the further development of scientific research and innovation, to achieve greater progress in this area.

The speech welcomed the opinions of Kornfeld-Matte and her recommendations for assisting countries to plan and organise relevant and effective frameworks, to strengthen and protect the rights of elderly people, by utilising technological developments and creativity.

At the end of the speech, Al Jarwan said that due to the country’s exceptional experience in caring for elderly people, they now have greater security and stability, and through the use of modern technology, a greater level of compassion, mercy and humanity, which are irreplaceable in improving family relations.

The 36th session of the Human Rights Council is being held in Geneva from 11th to 29th September, 2017.