During times of displacement, older people have urgent rights and needs.
They can be particularly vulnerable during conflict or natural disasters, when a lack of mobility, weakened vision and chronic illnesses can make access to support difficult. Today, older refugees make up some 4 per cent of the overall population of concern to UNHCR, and by 2050 more of the world will be over 60 than under 12 years old.
The elderly are sometimes reluctant to leave their homes and the last to flee from danger. In exile, they can become socially isolated and physically separated from their families, compounding their vulnerability.
At UNHCR, we work hard to support and protect older people on the move, enabling access to basic services as they recover and rebuild after a crisis. Our donors, including you, help to ensure that older refugees live their latter years in dignity and security.
UNHCR Thailand’s program for elderly refugees.
Older people can be particularly vulnerable during conflict or natural disasters. Lack of mobility, weakened vision and chronic illnesses such as arthritis or rheumatism can make access to support difficult, and aid services often do not take these issues into consideration. Many of them suffer from traumatic personal experiences of war and loss. Once displaced, older people suffer great upheaval and often become both socially isolated and physically separated from their families, increasing their vulnerability.
- Resettlement: UNHCR has supported the family reunifications of elderly refugees, through resettlement to a third country
- Voluntary Repatriation: As part of a voluntary repatriation programme led by the Royal Thai Government and the Government of the Union of Myanmar, with the support of UNHCR and its partners, elderly and other groups of refugees had the opportunity to return home to Myanmar
