04/04/2025
On April 3, 2025, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a landmark resolution, establishing a new intergovernmental working group to draft an international legally binding instrument (UN convention) on the human rights of older persons
(https://docs.un.org/A/HRC/58/L.24/Rev.1).
This resolution that received very wide support from over 70 Member States of the UN, highlights a global commitment to promote and protect the human rights of older persons.
After the UN General Assembly concluded the work of the Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing, which throughout 14 years of work highlighted substantial gaps in the protection of older persons’ rights, the Human Rights Council has now the mandate to draft a legally binding instrument. The resolution adopted at the HRC58, was driven by a core group of States: Argentina, Brazil, The Gambia, the Philippines, and Slovenia.
Significant Contribution of NGOs: The Global Alliance for the Rights of Older Persons and the NGO Committee on Ageing in Geneva ably organised and coordinated the advocacy at the 58th session of the HRC. The International Longevity Centre Global Alliance and the International Longevity Centre Canada were among the many International NGOs active at the HRC in Geneva both in person and online. NGOs have been instrumental in advocating for a Convention and the drafting of this resolution. Our relentless efforts, including delivering multiple statements, hosting a side event and participating in the informal negotiations on the text of the resolution, have been key in mobilizing support, raising awareness, and influencing discussions at the UN.
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.
The next steps at the UN level will be to determine how the new intergovernmental working group will be resourced and organised. Stay tuned!
An Erasmus+ project led by Elpida, Fundacja Różne Wątki and Leyden Academy on Vitality & Ageing explores gender differences in adult education participation among people aged 60 and older in the Czech Republic, Poland and the Netherlands.
9th June 2026
A Casebook of Clinical Dilemmas from Around the World – A Graphic novel on medical ethics
Graphic Medical Ethics: A Casebook of Clinical Dilemmas from Around the World presents real-life medical ethics cases from eight countries in graphic (comic) form, offering accessible, multicultural perspectives on complex healthcare dilemmas for both professionals and general readers.
18th May 2026
Getting Older Adults Moving at the Right Time
Research by Gali Albalak explored how the timing of physical activity affects sleep, mood and health in adults aged 60 to 80 years with sleep difficulties. The study found that morning exercise was associated with earlier bedtimes, improved mood and higher energy levels.
6th May 2026
