PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF THE ELDERLY IN THE ACTIVITY OF THE POLISH OMBUDSMAN AS A NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION INSTITUTION

Abstract

The paper presents and analyses the issues related to the protection of the rights of the elderly as reflected in the activities of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRI). A particular emphasis has been put on the activities of the Polish Human Rights Defender (the Ombudsman), but the analysis also covers the activities of other national specialised bodies, which are subsequently evaluated in the light of international standards set by binding international legal instruments as well as soft law. It is then concluded that the demographic tendencies and prospects make the protection of the rights of the elderly one of the main priorities. Through the controlling and monitoring of different aspects of the activities carried out by public authorities, NHRI may inspire the shaping of adequate policies and legal framework meant to counteract discrimination and legal, and social exclusion of older people. All these measures, however, must be planned and implemented in a comprehensive manner, having regard to the society as a whole. It is argued that only those states which understand the question of ageism in a such comprehensive manner have all the chances to overcome it. On the contrary, states which as the only remedy see an increase the retirement age or taxes do not have such chances. The activities of the Human Rights Defender acting for elderly people have been enumerated. It needs to be underlined that they are well perceived on the international forums of ombudsmen. The activity of the Polish Ombudsman have been described by making references to the available legal instruments, research into social matters and regularly published recommendations. All of them support the establishment and implementation of the national ageism strategy.