Global Ageing Network | Written Statement for the 58th session of the Human Rights Council | 24 April 2025
The Global Ageing Network wholeheartedly endorses the joint statement provided by the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People to this 58th session of the Human Rights Council and the call for a convention on the rights of older persons.
The Global Ageing Network gratefully acknowledges the General Assembly’s resolution, 78/324, following a recommendation by the United Nations Open-ended Working Group on Ageing last year, for the consideration of a new legally binding instrument as a way to address the gaps in the protection of the rights of older people. We urge member states to favourably consider this course of action.
Further, we request the Council establish an inter-governmental working group to draft a legally binding instrument. We also support the call for states to ensure that the drafting and negotiation process of the international legally binding instrument guarantees the full and meaningful participation of civil society, particularly older persons, their representatives and advocates. This work needs to commence without delay.
As demonstrated through the processes of the Open Ended Working Group over the past fourteen years the rights of older people continue to be violated in all regions of the world. Action to address these violations is necessary now. Members of the Global Ageing Network continue to proudly represent and support older persons and we remain committed to actively engaging in the process to design and implement a legally binding instrument to protect the rights of older persons across the globe.
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