NHRIs can make a significant contribution to protecting and promoting the rights of older persons. Their rights are often inadequately protected and split between different legal frameworks, increasing the risk of insufficient safeguards. With their expertise, NHRIs can help change this, and the coming months offer several opportunities for them to do so.

Firstly, NHRIs are invited to attend the 12th session of the UN Working Group on Ageing for the purpose of strengthening the protection of the human rights of older persons (OEWGA) from 11 to 14 April 2022*.

Ahead of the Working Group Session, GANHRI organised a Global consultation with NHRIs on February 17 2022. This event has been the ideal opportunity for NHRIs to learn more not only on the OEWGA’s work and future engagement opportunities but also on Human Rights Council activities in regard of protection the human rights of older persons.

Finally, the UN’s Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons is seeking NHRIs’ inputs on two topics: the right to adequate housing for older persons and older persons deprived of their liberty. The deadline for both is 1 April 2022. These will feed into a 2022 Report on the matter with NHRIs particularly encouraged to send examples of good practices. Deadline for submissions is 1 April 2022.

*Udpated the 03.03.2022 : In parallel, the UN Working Group called on A-status NHRIs to submit inputs in two areas. The first concerns the session’s focus topics: “contribution of older persons to sustainable development” and “economic security”. The second relates to developing an international standard to protect older persons “right to work and access to the labor market” and “access to justice”. NHRIs interested in the event could apply by 2 March 2022. Submissions for both should be sent by 22 February 2022.

Learn more on the rights of older persons by reading ENNHRI’s topic page and via the articles below.