Head of the EU Delegation Michael Davenport said that, when it comes to combating discrimination, Serbia had the best of intentions, adding that these are evident in the EU-supported Action Plan drafted by the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality.
“Serbia has a well-drafted anti-discrimination Action Plan. The EU wants Serbia to keep the course of EU membership and we do everything we can to support your efforts,” said Davenport at the Children’s Cultural Centre during the event titled “The age is just a number – let’s show intergenerational solidarity”.
According to him, there is much talk about the elderly and their past contribution to the economy and the society, but hardly any discussion about their role in the present.
“There is much talk about the contribution the elderly once made to the society and the economy. This is true, but we should also be aware of the contribution they are making here and now,” he said.
FoNet
Head of the EU Delegation said the fact that the youth gathered at the Children’s Cultural Centre conveyed the best message to the senior citizens ahead of the International Day of Older Persons, celebrated globally on 1 October.
The Commissioner for Protection of Equality Brankica Jankovic said that complaints concerning age discrimination made up for 10% of the overall number of complaints filed with the Commissioner’s Office.
“One of the most common complaints concerns labour discrimination, by which I mean people aged 50-55 who are unfortunately referred to as “the elderly” by employers who, due to bias and the lack of knowledge, think of them as less productive,” said Jankovic and added that some of the complaints concern banks which deny loans to elderly people.
According to Commissioner, discrimination also occurs within the public authority which makes the intensive work on the education of civil servants and making them equipped to meet the needs of citizens even more important.
She added that the Office was successful in addressing the issues of citizens.
Minister of Education and Technological Development Mladen Sarecevic said we must all grow more sensitive when it comes to the elderly who need help, care, affection and understanding. He called the young to always bear in mind the tradition and be aware that they would be appreciated by their deeds.
The event kicked off with a song “Ovo je zemlja za nas” (This is the country for us), jointly performed by two choirs: “No Ageing” of the Belgrade Gerontological Centre and “Carolije”.
