A UN Convention on the Human Rights of Older Persons is taking shape. But what kind of Convention will it become -and what difference will it make in people's lives? These questions came into sharper focus at the October 2026 session of the UN Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) on the Human Rights of Older
Why the principles we develop today matter for the human rights of older persons tomorrow. When people think about older age, the conversation often focuses on decline, dependency and care needs. But older age is also about relationships, contribution, belonging, choice and living a meaningful life. That is why conversations about the human rights
The organisational session of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Human Rights of Older Persons marks the beginning of a new phase in global efforts to advance the human rights of older persons. Efforts to recognise, promote, and protect the human rights of older persons have been ongoing for many years through the work
As work begins on drafting a UN Convention on the rights of older persons, an important question emerges: how do ethnocultural backgrounds shape dignity in older age, and what is needed to uphold it as a human right? Dignity belongs to everyone. However, culture, language, migration, and community shape how people experience and express
Recognizing the Older Person in Social Development Who is the older person in our current narrative of social development? Someone leaning on the support of others? Someone leading the charge? In this photograph, an older woman looks toward the horizon. The lines on her face trace a life shaped by experience, resilience, and care—time
From the floor of HRC60, this reflection shows how ideals meet reality — where progress and struggle coexist, calling for deeper resolve, greater equality, and a future built on rights that protect and empower all. Ideals Tested, Humanity Shown At the Human Rights Council, ideals meet reality. During HRC60, I watched delegates debate words
Age Knowble Human Rights Day 2024
Elder abuse is heart-wrenching. Underscoring the harm and tragic narratives is a violation of the older person’s human right to be freed from violence, abuse, and neglect. A group of courageous and determined older advocates stood up for their rights through song and dance. Violence Against and Abuse and Neglect of Older People One
It was Sunday morning during the Memorial Day weekend. I walked down Third Avenue amidst the warm breeze and bustling sounds of Manhattan feeling light hearted. We made a positive stride forward on the human rights of older people. A Step Forward The 14th Session of the Working Group took place before the 2024
Some public policymakers see the mainstreaming of the older person and aging into existing human rights instruments as the way forward. The approach is inclusive in its intent, and action can happen immediately. Yet would mainstreaming, as an alternative to a dedicated UN Convention, bring about the full enjoyment of human rights by older
