Historic decision: UN opens the way for new Human Rights Convention for Older Persons

As the New York Session of the UN Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing (OEWGA) concludes, a landmark decision could lead to the drafting of a new Human Rights Convention for Older Persons. 

Around the world, older people face discrimination and violations of their most basic rights and there is no legislation to hold governments accountable. Last week, Member States at the OEWGA unanimously agreed that there are gaps in the protection of the human rights of older people. They went on to acknowledge that a UN Convention can be one of the ways to address this.

This decision has removed the uncertainty that had been plaguing the OEWGA over the past 14 years, and has laid the groundwork for the UN to conclude its discussions on the human rights of older people. This means that the 14th Session of the OEWGA is likely to be the last.

The next step is for the UN General Assembly to accept the OEWGA decision and for Member States to agree on how to take the recommendations forward. Age International is optimistic that the Human Rights Council in Geneva will recognise the importance of continuing these discussions. The Human Rights Council has great technical expertise, and civil society and National Human Rights Institutions can contribute on a more equal basis alongside Member States. 

Age International Policy Lead, Ken Bluestone, who attended the OEWGA, says:

“The timing of this decision could not be better and sends a clear signal that Member States need to move forward with concrete actions to protect older people’s rights. The UK Government sits on the Human Rights Council and is an active proponent of strengthening human rights globally. In its opening statement to the 14th Session of OEWGA, the UK restated its openness to the possibility of a new legally binding human rights instrument. We expect the next UK Government, once elected, to go further by championing older people’s rights globally and pushing for the Human Rights Council to begin drafting a Convention without delay.”

The voice of civil society in this entire process is critical. Charities, older people, and National Human Rights Institutions turned up to the 14th Session in great numbers. They made clear the impact that human rights abuses are having on older people in all parts of the globe.

The Argentine Ambassador, as Chair of the OEWGA, said in his final statement that we must all become true activists against ageism and that we need radical change. It is time for older people to have their voices heard.