Türk calls for new policies to uphold rights of older people

Dear colleagues, friends,

I regret that I cannot be with you in person in Vienna.

As you know, in just a few weeks we will be commemmorating the 75^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

A milestone moment for a remarkable document.

Perhaps one of the most extraordinary developments since its adoption has been the radical shift in human longevity.

Many more of us can now look forward to longer and healthier lives.

But the future of ageing will be deeply unequal.

In part, because of the cumulative effect of disadvantages earlier in life. We only need to contemplate, for example, the lifelong impact of discrimination endured because of gender, disability or migrant status.

Add to this the unwelcome reality that global poverty is currently on the rise as a consequence of the economic crises triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

Indeed, all of us remain acutely aware of how brutally the pandemic exposed fault-lines in our societies.

Including the routine discrimination and ill-treatment of older people as a result of pervasive ageism.

From difficulties in accessing employment, housing, social protection and healthcare, to exclusion from the digital world.

To address these inequalities, we have to start with gathering better data so that policies are well-informed.

We also need to pay closer attention to the digital divide. This involves tackling low digital literacy and lack of connectivity for many older people as well as limited access to devices, information and services such as banking.

As for new technologies, such as assistive devices and AI tools, with the power to transform the nature of long-term care - we must ensure their use enhances well-being, dignity and agency of the individual, remaining vigilant about the risks of dehumanization, neglect, isolation and invasions of privacy.

More generally, governments need to introduce more nuance across the board in their laws and policies so that these effectively address the rights, as well as the diverse experiences, of older people, including in particular women .

Friends,

Last month, the Human Rights Council adopted a resolution requesting my Office to convene a meeting of experts to draw up recommendations on the obligations of States in relation to violence against, abuse and neglect of older people. We look forward to hosting this important discussion, with the meaningful participation of older people, and preparing a summary report for the Council’s session next autumn.

In the meantime, my Office continues to advocate for a dedicated, comprehensive international legal instrument on the human rights of older people. This is, undoubtedly, the most effective pathway to address the significant gaps in both international as well as national legal and policy frameworks. I count on your support towards this goal.

I am confident that this year of anniversaries – for the Universal Declaration and for the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action – can coalesce into a moment of action for advancing human rights globally.

As part of our Human Rights 75 Initiative, I encourage States and all actors to pledge concrete actions that can bring about transformative change.

I hope very much that this will include pledges on the human rights of older people so that we foster an environment which expands, rather than diminishes, the role each one of us can play at every stage of our life.

Older people make a huge contribution to our societies, including towards the Sustainable Development Goals where we have such an urgent need to get back on track.

Their insights and experiences are crucial to the shaping of solutions for the multitude of complex challenges we face together today and in the decades to come.

Through concerted action on the rights of older people, let us make this 75^th anniversary year a decisive step forwards on our journey towards vibrant and inclusive societies for all.

Thank you.