Older people in Peru and Bolivia are raising their voices to press for their rights, in the run-up to Human Rights Day on 10 December 2005.

In Ayacucho, Peru, older people’s organisations distributed leaflets on the rights of older people at celebrations to mark the battle for independence on 7 December. In Lima, campaigners will attend the launch of the National Plan for Human Rights, which includes a chapter on the rights of older people, on 10 December.

In Bolivia, radio stations in rural and urban areas have broadcast announcements about older people’s entitlement to free health insurance. The announcements have been made in both Spanish and local languages, such as Aymara, to reach as many older people as possible, particularly indigenous older people in rural areas.

Older people among the most marginalised

Older people are one of the most marginalised groups in Latin America. They face frequent rights abuses and discrimination.

In Bolivia, nearly one-third of older people have no source of income; nearly three in five live on less than a dollar a day. In Peru, three in five older people live without any social security, forcing them to work well into old age.

Governments in both countries have made provisions to protect the rights of older people. In Bolivia, everyone over 65 is entitled to free healthcare and a basic, non-contributory pension worth around US$200 a year.

The Peru constitution commits the state to protect older people who have been abandoned, and recognises the universal right of all people to social security.

However, these laws and policies are often not implemented, because administrative structures are lacking, especially in rural areas.

"Respect our rights. One day they will be yours."

Activities to raise awareness of poor older people in Peru and Bolivia of their rights are supported by HelpAge International and its partners, with funding from the UK Big Lottery Fund.

HelpAge International is also supporting older people’s groups in Peru and Bolivia to influence policies, monitor their implementation and promote respect for older people’s rights.

For more information, contact the Latin America regional development centre.