ORANJESTAD, ARUBA – The Ombudsman, Ms. Jurima Bryson LL.M. has received multiple reports concerning the protection and care of residents of private care and shelter facilities and similar institutions in Aruba. Various reports have also appeared in the media concerning the situation within these institutions and facilities. This concerns not only facilities for older persons, but also institutions that accommodate and support homeless and displaced persons, persons struggling with addiction, and persons recovering from addiction.
Residents of such institutions, are in a vulnerable and dependent position due to their age, physical or psychological condition, social circumstances, or addiction problems. This makes it more difficult for residents to stand up for their rights and interests or raise concerns about possible abuse or misconduct.
They are largely dependent on the institution or facility for accommodation, care, support, treatment, nutrition, medical care, and safety. It is therefore essential that the government ensures appropriate safeguards and humane accommodation, care, support, and treatment.
This is consistent with the standard of proper conduct concerning a special duty of care, under which institutions and the government are expected to protect the human dignity, fundamental rights, and physical and psychological safety of residents. It is important that signals of possible misconduct are received in a timely manner, carefully assessed, and, where necessary, investigated and followed up.
In the context, the Ombudsman sent a letter of concern to the Minister of Transport, Integrity, Nature and Elderly Affairs, responsible for the Ministry of Public Health, Social Affairs, Elderly Care and Addiction Care, Ms. Drs. M.G. Wyatt-Ras.
As an independent and impartial institution, the Ombudsman has raised several attention points concerning the protection of residents of private care and shelter facilities. These include appropriate accommodation, expertise and staffing, oversight and enforcement, accessible reporting and legal protection, and continuity of appropriate care.
More information on this matter can be found in the letter of concern regarding the protection and care of residents of private care and shelter facilities. The full letter is available on the Ombudsman’s website, www.ombudsman.aw/en/publications/.
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This is the link to the Letter of concern regarding the protection and care of residents of care and shelter facilities
