Debriefing for NGOs about the 58th session of the Human Rights Council – 30th April from 15:00-16:15 CEST.
The Open-ended Working Group on Ageing (OEWGA) successfully concluded in 2024 with the adoption of decision 14/1 and the subsequent General Assembly resolution 78/324. On 3 April 2025, UN Member States in the Human Rights Council in Geneva adopted a landmark resolution 58/13 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. 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 enjoyment of these rights a reality. The next steps at the UN level will be to determine how the new intergovernmental working group will be resourced and organised. The full, meaningful and effective participation of civil society in this new process, especially older persons and their representative organisations, will be essential. It is vital that this drafting process is as inclusive and transparent as possible.
Co-sponsors: GAROP and the NGO COA Geneva are co-organising this debriefing as part of our ongoing work together to promote a strong presence by civil society organisations in the Human Rights Council (HRC) and Geneva-related human rights processes and to ensure effective engagement with other key stakeholders.
Objectives of the meeting:
- To reflect on the significance of the adoption of resolution 58/13
- To clarify the next steps and upcoming opportunities relevant to older persons’ rights in the HRC
- To ensure the success of the initial phase of the new intergovernmental working group
Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/EgGdsk_tReGfIqem6cG2Zg
Working language: The meeting will be in English.
Audience: Please note that we are not planning to record this meeting.
Contact:
- GAROP Coordinator, Ellen Graham, graham@rightsofolderpeople.org
- Chair of the NGO COA GVA, Alejandro Bonilla Garcia, ngoageing@gmail.com