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The 10th Elder Abuse Prevention Day Commemorative Event to Protect the Human Rights of Older Adults

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that it will hold the “10th Elder Abuse Prevention Day Commemorative Event” today (June 15) at 2:00 p.m. in the City Hall Grand Conference Room to mark Elder Abuse Prevention Day (June 15).

This year marks the 10th edition of the event, which will feature a variety of programs aimed at creating a social environment that encourages the prevention of elder abuse and the protection of the rights and interests of older adults.

Hosted by Busan Metropolitan City and jointly organized by the Busan Central, Eastern, and Western Elder Protection Agencies, the event has been held annually since 2017 to improve inappropriate treatment of older adults and to raise public awareness of the seriousness of elder abuse.

The event will bring together approximately 100 participants, including city officials, representatives of related organizations, and senior citizens. Programs will include an awards ceremony for distinguished contributors, the signing of a joint response agreement, an elder abuse prevention performance, a slogan contest, a special lecture by a distinguished speaker, and a cartoon and photo exhibition aimed at improving perceptions of older adults.

First, an awards ceremony will be held to recognize individuals and organizations that have contributed to the promotion of the human rights of older adults.

One organization that has contributed to protecting the human rights of older adults and preventing elder abuse will receive a commendation from the Minister of Health and Welfare, while two private citizens will receive commendations from the Mayor of Busan Metropolitan City.

The event will also include the signing of a memorandum of understanding among 11 related organizations, including Busan Metropolitan City, the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency, the National Health Insurance Service, the Korean Senior Citizens Association, and the Busan Central, Eastern, and Western Elder Protection Agencies, to strengthen the joint response system for elder abuse.

Key provisions of the agreement include information sharing; mutual cooperation in investigations and interventions; the development of measures to prevent recurrence; the implementation of joint education, campaigns, and promotional activities; and preventive efforts to identify vulnerable and underserved areas.

In the special lecture session, Professor Kim Won-cheon of Hoseo University will deliver a presentation titled “Good Care Based on Human Rights,” conveying the message that care should be recognized not as charitable welfare but as a social right.

In addition, a cartoon and photo exhibition aimed at improving public perceptions of older adults will be held through June 19 in the passageway connecting City Hall and the subway station.

Meanwhile, Busan Metropolitan City established an additional Elder Protection Agency in 2024 and now operates three agencies in total—the Central, Eastern, and Western agencies. Through this expanded network, the city is carrying out more specialized and systematic elder abuse prevention activities and human rights protection measures across each region.

Jeong Tae-gi, Director General of the Social Welfare Bureau of Busan Metropolitan City, stated, “Elder abuse is not simply a family issue but an urgent challenge that our entire society must address together. Through cooperation with the related organizations signing today’s agreement, we will work to build a safe society where the human rights of older adults are respected and ensure that no vulnerable senior citizens are left neglected in our communities.”