PROTECTION OF RIGHTS OF ELDERLY PERSONS IN EUROPE: CURRENT SITUATION, DISADVANTAGES AND CHALLENGES

In the time of omnipresent demographic trends concerning senescence of global as well as of European population and challenges thereof, an issue of the protection of rights for elderly persons has become extremely important. Heterogeneity of elderly persons, expansion of ageism as well as special needs and their vulnerability affect the exposure of elderly population to numerous infringements of human rights. Violence, poverty, social exclusion, discrimination and lack of special measures, mechanisms and services intended to satisfying special needs of the elderly, are just some of the problems that this vulnerable social group faces. This paper analyzes the condition of elderly persons rights in EU member states and in the rest of Europe. A review of the existing legal framework for the protection of rights of elderly persons within the EU and the Council of Europe has also been given. Special attention is paid to a single comprehensive although legally optional, instrument for the protection of rights of elderly persons adopted within the Council of Europe: Recommendation CM/Rec (2014)2 by the Committee of Ministers of the member states in promoting human rights of elderly persons.