STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE MINISTER OF HUMAN RIGHTS, SOCIAL AFFAIRS AND GENDER ON THE OCCASION OF THE CELEBRATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PERSONS, 2018

1. On 1^st October each year, the whole world celebrates the International Day of the older Persons .
2. For this year, the international theme that has also been adopted at the level of our country is « Celebrating the champions of the rights of the Older Persons « 
3. In the context of this protection, although not exhaustive, the following measures have been taken by the Government of Burundi: The signature of the partnership agreements with the Centers and Associations working for the elderly, with as a corollary the granting of annual subsidies, the payment of water and electricity bills and the exemption of goods and services intended for the elderly. to this category from abroad; Visit and distribution of food and non-food items to these centers and associations; medical assistance for vulnerable elderly people; The pension and the public service mutual card are granted to pensioners.
4. Also, during 2012, our Government has adopted the National Social Protection Policy and a national strategy for its implementation is already in place, as is the Social Protection Support Fund. « FAPS ». This Strategy and Fund pays special attention to vulnerable groups in general and to the elderly in particular.
5. Furthermore, our country has just adopted a National Development Plan (2018-2027) launched on August 22 of this year by His Excellency the President of the Republic in the Province of Gitega and special attention is given to people in the strategic direction related to the development of human capital with regard to the social protection component.
6. In addition to the feasibility study for free health care for all older persons that has been ordered by the Government of Burundi, the Government of Burundi has already recommended to social security institutions how to improve pension related to retirement. By the way, the Congregation of the Brothers « BENEYOZEFU » has just conducted a study on the needs of the elderly in some communes of the Country and we look forward to the outcome of all these reflections.
7. Despite all these measures taken by the Government, we are aware that there are old age people who are still in very critical conditions and others who have just been removed from the street. For all these difficulties that the elderly face, the Government of Burundi is committed to spare no effort in match with the means at its disposal to always take care of them and we are convinced that the first remedy will come from this local solidarity scheme which was launched in July of this year.
8. In our country, this day will be celebrated on Monday, 01 October 2018 in the Province of Gitega, GIHETA Commune, where we will discuss the support of the vulnerable elderly identified and also proceed with the restitution of the study on the needs of the old age people conducted by the Congregation of the Brothers « BENEYOZEFU » with the support of the World Solidarity Organization.
9. Finally, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to the centers, associations and all those who contribute to the protection of the elderly and invite everyone to do the same.
10. Happy Celebration to the all elderly !!

LONG LIVE BURUNDI; TOGETHER FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE ELDERLY; MAY GOD BLESS YOU, THANK YOU !!