CHR calls for a UN convention on the rights of older persons

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) joins its fellow national human rights institutions (NHRIs), civil society, and elderly rights advocates in the calls for a United Nations (UN) Convention on the rights of older persons.

This week, from Feb. 27 to March 5, 2023, as we once again invite everyone to participate in the #AgeWithRights Global Rally, CHR Commissioner Beda A. Epres — focal commissioner for older persons’ human rights — emphasizes the urgency of drafting an international legal instrument for the protection and promotion of elderly rights.

Relevant to the upcoming 13th session of the UN Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing (OEWGA), Commissioner Epres says, “We cannot stress enough how a convention will immensely contribute to the improvement of the lives of older persons in the present and future generations. A convention will define the specific human rights of older persons and the corresponding obligations by duty-bearers.”

By our mandate as a watchdog, monitor, advocate, and educator of the government concerning human rights, CHR underscores the need for additional reports and accountability mechanisms that ensure the respect and fulfillment of the rights of older persons.

While the Commission continues to support existing and proposed domestic policies and laws promoting the welfare of older people in the Philippines, such as the Philippine Plan of Action for Senior Citizens, the existence of a UN convention on the rights of older persons will serve to further guide policymakers and concerned agencies to better frame government programs and services that cater to older citizens.