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HISTORIC DECISION ON THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF OLDER PERSONS: GOVERNMENTS DECIDE TO START DRAFTING AN INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION

On 3 April, UN Member States in the Human Rights Council in Geneva adopted a landmark resolution to create a new intergovernmental working group to draft an international legally binding instrument (UN convention) on the human rights of older persons. This milestone is the culmination of many years of advocacy and campaigning by older persons, civil society and other advocates around the world, including RECEWAPEC, in collaboration with the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older Persons (GAROP). The evidence compiled over this period has demonstrated that the best solution to the deficiencies and fragmentation in the international human rights system is a dedicated convention.

A new UN convention will have a positive impact on the lives of older persons around the world today, and all of us as we age in the future. It will provide greater clarity and essential guidance to States on how to better promote and protect older persons’ rights. It will help eliminate ageism and age discrimination and ensure that older persons can seek redress for violations of their rights. This important political decision brings us closer to making this a reality.

Prince Bengha Ngochia Martin, CEO and Promoter of RECEWAPEC and an ardent promoter of the rights of older persons for decades, closely followed the events of HRC58 as they unfolded in Geneva: “This moment is historic not just for older persons, but for humanity. We have long advocated for a binding framework that reflects the dignity, voices, and lived experiences of older persons. Following the events of HRC58 closely, I am proud to witness this turning point and reaffirm RECEWAPEC’s commitment to working alongside States and global partners to shape a convention that truly protects the rights of older persons in Cameroon and everywhere.”

The growing relevance of ageing issues, both on national and international dialogue platforms obliges all stakeholders across the world in General, and in Cameroon in particular to actively engage in the realization of policies that aims at erasing inequalities and all forms of discrimination against ageing persons. The participation of the Government of Cameroon, through the active presence of the Minister of External Relations, H.E. Lejeune Mbella Mbella in  HRC58  is evidence of the state’s commitment towards improving the conditions of ageing persons, and we hope this new resolution motivates action towards the adoption and promulgation of the Cameroon Draft National Policy on Ageing.  Ageing is a desirable and relatively unavoidable stage of life; the young of today will one day age out, just as todays elderly were once young. Thus,  the active engagement in building conducive environments for ageing persons is an indirect commitment to the building of our own future.  The next steps at the UN level will be to determine how the new intergovernmental working group will be resourced and organised.

Further Information

• Resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council: https://docs.un.org/en/A/HRC/58/L.24/Rev.1
• About RECEWAPEC: The Regional Centre for the Welfare of Ageing Persons in Cameroon (RECEWAPEC) is a leading NGO dedicated to promoting the rights, welfare, and dignity of ageing persons across Cameroon. Since its founding in 1999 and recognition as a full NGO in 2018, RECEWAPEC has been at the forefront of advocacy, health interventions, and community support programs focused on older adults, with a vision to create a just and inclusive society for all persons as they age. www.recewapec.net
• About GAROP: Established in 2011, the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People (GAROP) was born out of the need to strengthen the rights and voice of older people globally. Today, GAROP is a network of over 400 members worldwide, united in our work to strengthen and promote the rights of older persons. Our mission is to support and enhance civil society engagement with Member States and National Human Rights Institutions at national, regional and international levels around a UN convention on the rights of older persons.  www.rightsofolderpeople.org