Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House -
1) notes that tomorrow, Friday 15 June 2007, is the second anniversary of the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day;
2) further notes that the day is dedicated to raising awareness about the abuse of the elderly, which encompasses neglect and maltreatment throughout the world;
3) recalls that abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of the elderly are much more common than societies admit, and that there is a link between this abuse and disempowerment and discrimination;
4) believes that-
a) all of us have to work together to raise awareness and ensure that perpetrators of this crime are brought to book;
b) we must love, protect and care for our elderly; and c) we must recognise and appreciate that they play a critical role in our communities, as many orphans and vulnerable children in our country are cared for by grandparents who continue to be the backbone of many families, giving children a sound beginning in life, and many elders also continue to contribute to the economic development of our country and remain economically active;
5) further believes that there is a need to encourage closer and positive contact between generations and foster positive attitudes among the youth, and that the social isolation and neglect of older adults need to be broken through, among other things, intergenerational relationships;
6) urges our youth to remember that they have a responsibility to look after the elderly in general and their grandparents in particular; and
7) calls upon the youth of our country, during this Youth Month, to ensure that the abuse of the elderly in our society comes to a stop.
Agreed to.