UN Passes Landmark Resolution to Protect the Human Rights of Older People.

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. 

Established 14 years ago in New York, the OEWGA was tasked with scrutinizing 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. 

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. 

The draft resolution was adopted on 13 August 2024 at the General Assembly with oral amendments, without voting required. While the Resolution recognizes the importance of older people's human rights, it primarily calls for more exploratory work.

Yesterday’s landmark resolution by the UN marks a historic step forward in safeguarding the rights of older people. We are now on the cusp of establishing a legally binding international convention. This will accelerate a UN process to deliberate and start drafting an international binding treaty to protect the rights of the older people. We must continue our advocacy, engage with governments, and amplify the voices of older people. HelpAge and its allies remain resolute in our mission to see this convention realised. Cherian Mathews, CEO HelpAge International.

Cherian Mathews, CEO HelpAge International

Cherian Mathews, CEO HelpAge International