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Older Persons Act, 2006 (Act No. 13 of 2006)

Chapter 1 : Objects, Implementation, Application and General Principles

5. General principles

 

(1) The general principles set out in this section guide—
(a) the implementation of all legislation applicable to older persons, including this Act; and
(b) all proceedings, actions and decisions by any organ of state in any matter concerning an older person or older persons in general.

 

(2) All proceedings, actions or decisions in a matter concerning an older person must—
(a) respect, protect, promote and fulfill the older person’s rights, the best interests of the older person and the rights and principles set out in this Act, subject to any lawful limitation;
(b) respect the older person’s inherent dignity;
(c) treat the older person fairly and equitably; and
(d) protect the older person from unfair discrimination on any ground, including on the grounds of the health status or disability of the older person.

 

(3) In any matter concerning an older person—
(a) an approach which is conducive to conciliation and problem-solving should be followed and a confrontational approach should be avoided; and
(b) a delay in any action or decision to be taken must be avoided as far as possible.