The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of old people, adopted by the 26th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State of the African Union held in Addis Ababa on January 31, 2016, recognizes the fundamental rights of old people and commits to abolish all forms of discrimination based on age.
It has been found that the old people are not receiving the attention that their situation requires. The heath care and support provided by the family and the community, which were taken for granted in the past, are decreasing due to changes in societies related to urbanization and related development programs.
Also, the old people are subject to many constraints related mainly to illness and poverty.

Being studied by the National Assembly in plenary session this Tuesday, April 19, 2022, the bill on the ratification by the Republic of Burundi of the protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the rights of the elderly, once promulgated, will allow Burundi a better management of the care of the elderly both economically, as well as health and social.

The Minister in charge of National Solidarity, Mrs. Imelde Sabushimike, who was the government’s representative to explain the motives of this bill before the National Assembly, has invited families to take care of their grandparents instead of letting them beg in the streets. She called for the respect and return of the habits and customs that have always characterized Burundian society, to consider and take care of the old people, who were wise and patriarch of the family.

In the meantime, the bill on the ratification by the Republic of Burundi of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa was also on the agenda of today’s plenary session.
Adopted by the 30th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State of the African Union held in Addis Abeba on January 29, 2018, this protocol aims to ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and fundamental freedoms inherent to persons with disabilities as well as to promote and protect their rights and freedoms.

In adopting this protocol, the African Union was concerned about discrimination and violence against people with disabilities, as well as the effects of harmful practices, and wanted to further protect this category of people.
According to the Minister of National Solidarity, Social Affairs, Human Rights and Gender, this protocol is a major step forward in terms of dignity and rights for all people with disabilities in Africa, especially women, girls, young and old people. By ratifying this protocol, Burundi will reinforce its existing efforts in terms of policies and measures to support people with disabilities.

After analysis, both bills were unanimously adopted by the National Assembly.