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- Published: 14 August 2024
Article reposted from Help Age International
In a momentous decision yesterday, August 13th, the United Nations member states adopted a significant resolution which will pave the way for a UN process to establish an international, legally binding instrument – a convention – to safeguard the human rights of older people.
This concludes the extensive work of the Open-ended working group on ageing (OEWGA) as the work passes on to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. This marks a pivotal step towards enhancing the protection of the human rights of older people globally.
14 years towards recognition
Established 14 years ago in New York, the OEWGA was tasked with scrutinising existing international human rights frameworks for older people. Its mandate included identifying gaps within this framework and proposing effective measures to address them.
After 14 long years, the OEWGA presented its recommendations, with one of the most noteworthy being the proposal for an international, legally binding instrument dedicated to safeguarding the rights of older people.
Going forward, this resolution will be presented for further consideration at the UN General Assembly in September. Member States will vote on whether the Human Rights Council should continue these discussions and start drafting a UN convention on the rights of older persons without further delay.
Key highlights of the resolution
The resolution acknowledges the comprehensive recommendations submitted by the OEWGA and urges pertinent UN bodies to give them further consideration.
Central to these recommendations is the initiation of processes to draft a UN convention on the rights of older persons. Such a convention would serve as a robust legal framework, ensuring that older people worldwide are accorded the dignity, respect, and protection they inherently deserve.
Next steps
The passing of this resolution marks the start of a critical new phase in our advocacy for older people’s rights. To keep the momentum going, we must:
- Engage with governments: Continue and strengthen dialogue with national governments to ensure they support the drafting of a UN convention.
- Collaborate with civil society: Work closely with civil society organisations to amplify our voices and prioritise older people’s needs in the convention process.
- Raise awareness: Increase public understanding of the importance of protecting older people’s rights and the impact a UN convention could have.
- Ensure inclusion: Guarantee that older people and their representatives are meaningfully involved in all discussions and decisions.
Looking ahead
This a pivotal moment, where the choices made in the coming months will define the future for future generations of older people. It is imperative that the momentum is sustained, ensuring that the voices and experiences of older people remain central to this process.
HelpAge International extends its heartfelt gratitude to all members of the HelpAge global network and other dedicated allies, especially the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People (GAROP). Their persistent advocacy has been pivotal in reaching this milestone.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to collaborate with global partners, UN bodies, and older people themselves to realise the ambition of a comprehensive UN Convention. Together, we aspire to build a world where the rights of older people are not only recognised but protected.
