The United Nations General Assembly designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons. Under the flagship of Equity in ENLIGHT, we believe in raising awareness of opportunities, but also challenges faced by ageing populations.
On October 11, 2024, ENLIGHT Regional Academy of Comenius University Bratislava held a lecture for students of the CU University of the Third Age. Its topic was the work of the Public Defender of Rights. The lecture was led by Tomáš Čitbaj, Director General of the Department for the Protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms from the Office of the Public Defender of Rights.
In his presentation, Mr. Čitbaj focused not only on the theoretical foundations and competencies of the Public Defender of Rights but also provided practical advice for seniors. Students received legal information on challenges regarding senior rights, such as answer to the questions:
- What rights do seniors have?
- How can they defend themselves against discrimination or unfair treatment?
- What should seniors avoid, and what should they be cautious about in everyday life?
Mr. Čitbaj also highlighted the options offered by the Public Defender of Rights for resolving issues faced by seniors and provided several examples from his practice where the Office helped seniors achieve justice. The discussion on specific cases of senior rights violations was also insightful. The lecture was enriching and provided participants with valuable information they can apply in various life situations.