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Human Rightsand Older AdultsLegal Aid Bureau,Inc.Providing Legal Services in Maryland Since 1911WHAT are human rights?WHERE do they come from?HOW do they affect older adults?Human Rights are.Universal legal guarantees protecting individuals and groups against actions from the government that interfere with fundamental freedoms and human dignityImportant Characteristics of Human RightsUniversal all leaders in all countries agreed on these rightsInalienable-cannot be waived or taken away Interconnected-violation of one right affects fulfillment of othersIndivisible dont treat rights in isolation Non-discriminatory should be respected without distinction of any kindHuman Rights are recognized inThe Declaration of Independencel“.all men are created equal,that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,that among these are Life,Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”International Law United Nations Charterl“The United Nations shall promote:universal respect for and observance of,human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race,sex,language,or religion”-Charter of the United Nations(Article 55)The U.S.Constitutionl“The enumeration in the Constitution,of certain rights,shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.”(9th Amendment)At Maryland Legal Aid,human rights are our values!Legal Aid provides the legal services to maintain your human rightsMedical careConsumer protectionFair housingPublic benefitsFamily lawThree client stories:how human rights issues affect their every day livesMeet PhyllisIn her early 70s and a widow.Has 1 daughter and 2 granddaughters.She had a stroke and was sent to a nursing home to recover.She really wants to be home and closer to her family.All of her savings are gone and she cannot pay for her care.NickFraserPhylliss dilemmaThe nursing home thinks Phyllis should stay and has convinced Phylliss daughter that they might be right.Phyllis has increasing memory issues,but she knows where she wants to live.With money running out,Phyllis is worried about getting the medical care she needs.What are Phylliss human rights?Phyllis has a human right toAdequate health careAppropriate housingDecide where she prefers to liveLegal Aid helps her to realize her human rightsObtain the federal benefits that might help her be able to stay in her homeAssist her in obtaining the health care she needs in the setting of her choiceMeet HaroldIn his early 60s and recently retired.Lives in his home with his wife off of Social Security and a small pension.In good health and happy,with plans to live modestly in his home for the rest of his life.Harolds dilemmaHarolds wife had a few extra health costs and his car broke down so he got a little behind on his electricity payments.They keep adding on fees and now they are threatening to cut his service.The costs of these services are stacking up and his small budget cannot handle the costs of his new bills.He is worried that he could lose his home.He cannot afford a lawyer and so creditors do not seem to take him seriously.What are Harolds human rights?Harold has a human right toSeek help in the legal system before benefits are taken awayMeaningful access to the courts and to lawyers who can assist him in courtLegal Aid helps Harold to realize his human rightsHelp in preventing utility companies from shutting off his serviceAssistance with debt collectors who are trying to take moneyProvide legal advice about the impact of debt on his retirementMeet Florence&MaryBoth in their early 80s but still in good health.Florence&Mary are a couple and live together in a 1-bedroom public housing apartment Colin GrayFlorences&Marys dilemmasFlorence&Marys landlord told them that other residents have been complaining about their“lifestyle”and that if they want to stay,they must rent an apartment with separate bedroomsThe apartment needs maintenance,and management has not listened to their concerns.What are Florence&Marys human rights?Florence&Mary have a right toAdequate and safe housing,regardless of sexual orientationRight to rent property in the location of their choice,free from discriminationLegal Aid can help Florence and Mary realize their human rightsInform Florence of her rights to be free from discrimination based on sexual orientationAssist the couple if they receive an eviction noticeRepresent their rights for adequate living conditionsQUESTIONS?
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