Deputy Ombudswoman Tatjana Vlašić participated in an international conference on 10 February 2026, dedicated to older persons living with dementia. The event was particularly significant because it included speakers who are themselves living with this diagnosis.

Jim Mann from Canada and Emily Ong from Singapore spoke about life with dementia. They presented the everyday challenges they face, including discrimination and stigmatization. Both are actively engaged in advocating for the rights of persons with dementia, combating stereotypes and prejudices they are exposed to, and promoting their greater inclusion in society. Through their long-term work in this field, as well as their participation in the conference, they emphasized that persons with dementia not only can be active, but are active and contribute to society.

Deputy Ombudswoman Vlašić presented the work of the Ombudswoman’s institution in protecting the rights of older persons, particularly those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. This work is based on handling complaints from affected persons and their family members, visiting long-term care institutions where they are placed, cooperating with civil society organizations, conducting research, and collaborating with relevant authorities.

The difficulties faced by persons living with dementia in Croatia, Deputy Vlašić noted, relate to a serious shortage of specialized care, community services, and support for caregivers. Another problem is the significant variation in the quality of care between institutions, as well as the lack of mechanisms and procedures to prevent inadequate care and abuse of older persons.

To protect the dignity and rights of older persons with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, she concluded, it is crucial that the social welfare system is strong and effective, and that the community and environment are adapted to older persons and aware of their needs.

As the process of preparing the UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons has begun – a process to which the Ombudswoman’s institution, as Croatia’s national human rights institution, has contributed – Deputy Vlašić particularly emphasized the principles that the convention should include in order to adequately address the needs of persons living with dementia. These are: dignity, non-discrimination, and the rights to participation and accessibility, as well as autonomy.

The conference was held online and included participation by Yongjie Yon of the World Health Organization, Dr. Debanjan Banerjee, physician from India, activist Monica Kinyanjui from Kenya, activist DY Suharya from Indonesia, and scientist Natasa Todorovic from Serbia. The event was organized by Age Knowble, an organization whose work aims to empower older persons, amplify their voice, and ensure that the environments in which they live are safe and support a good quality of life.