Spain's Interior Ministry Signs Protocol With HelpAge to Protect Older People in Emergencies
Spain's Ministry of the Interior signed a general action protocol on October 1 with HelpAge International España to incorporate an age perspective into the National Civil Protection System and to strengthen the participation, protection and inclusion of older people in all phases of emergency management. The agreement was signed by Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska and the organisation's president, Isabel María Martínez, on the International Day of Older Persons.
The protocol sets up a stable cooperation framework between the Secretariat General for Civil Protection and Emergencies and HelpAge International España, covering the prevention, preparation, response and recovery phases of emergency management. Planned work includes mutual advice and information exchange, studies and research projects, training programmes for emergency professionals, and conferences, seminars, exercises and drills focused on the care of older people.
The initiative was driven by Virginia Barcones, Secretary General for Civil Protection and Emergencies, together with HelpAge. The ministry noted that experience from major emergencies such as the Valencia DANA floods, recent wildfires and extreme weather episodes has shown the need to systematically take the specific needs of the most vulnerable groups into account in civil protection policy.
The agreement also aims to improve the accessibility of information, ensure continuity of care, promote the active participation of older people and strengthen their autonomy and resilience in risky situations. HelpAge International España is part of the global HelpAge network, which has more than 40 years of experience in promoting and defending the rights of older people and in humanitarian action.
(Source: Ministry of the Interior of Spain)
Source: Ministry of the Interior of Spain
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
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