4. ARTICLE 1 AND 2: LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND MEASURES TAKEN TO RECOGNIZE THE RIGHTS, DUTIES, FREEDOMS AND ENTITLEMENT TO THE RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS AND THEIR ENJOYMENTS There is no new information regarding these two Articles to report on; the situation is still remains the same under these articles, as it was stated in the last report. 5. ARTICLE 3, 19 AND 26: EQUALITY AND EQUAL PROTECTION BEFORE THE LAW 5.1 The Constitution There is no new information to report on under this heading, the information and the situation still remains the same. 5.2 Elderly persons and the right to equality Older persons fall in the ambit of Article 10 of the Namibian Constitution, which prohibits discrimination on among other grounds, social and economic status. All other constitutional rights apply equally to older persons. The Aged Persons Act No. 81 of 1967 provides for the protection and care of older persons. The government is currently reviewing legislation on the rights of older persons. The National Pension Act (Act No 10 of 1992) provides for payment of pension grants and other financial support to citizens who have attained the age of 60 years. Namibia is also a signatory to the UN Principles for Older Persons Declaration. Government has a policy for elderly persons to receive free medical treatment at State hospitals, and to receive preferential treatment at all Government institutions and at banking institutions. The City of Windhoek has exempted senior citizens from paying for transport when using the buses of the city of Windhoek municipality. Some local authorities and other service providers have come up with initiatives to give rebate to the elders. - 22 -