In a message commemorating Sunday’s Worldwide Day of Older Individuals, the UN chief underscored the pervasive subject of ageism in society and the vulnerability of older individuals within the face of crises such because the COVID-19 pandemic, poverty and local weather emergencies.
“Addressing these and different points is a human rights crucial that may profit everybody,” he mentioned.
Right this moment’s youth, tomorrow’s older individuals
The theme of this yr’s Worldwide Day is “Fulfilling the Guarantees of the Common Declaration of Human Rights for Older Individuals: Throughout Generations.”
Research present that variety of individuals aged 65 years or older worldwide is projected to greater than double – rising from 761 million in 2021 to 1.6 billion in 2050 – with the variety of individuals aged 80 years or older rising even sooner.
This additional underscores the urgency of strengthening the safety of the human rights of present and future generations of older individuals around the globe.
A lot to contribute
Mr. Guterres highlighted that older individuals could make important contributions by way of their information and expertise, and have the potential to contribute to peace, sustainable improvement and the safety of the setting.
“We should guarantee their lively engagement, full participation, and important contributions – together with by way of social and office insurance policies constructed round their particular wants,” he mentioned.
He additionally emphasised the necessity for intergenerational dialogue and unity as important parts of constructing extra inclusive and age-friendly societies and a resilient world for everybody.
By 2050, there shall be twice as many older individuals aged 65 than in 2021.
Uphold human rights
Echoing Secretary-Basic’s name, Claudia Mahler, Unbiased Knowledgeable on the enjoyment of all human rights by older individuals, urged nations to uphold the human rights of older individuals as enshrined within the Common Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
“I name on Member States, the United Nations, Nationwide Human Rights Establishments, civil society and all related stakeholders to make the Common Declaration a actuality for all older individuals,” she mentioned.
Whereas the UDHR encompasses the human rights of older individuals, Ms. Mahler expressed concern that older people usually stay invisible in worldwide human rights regulation as a consequence of a scarcity of recognition of ageism and express prohibition of age-based discrimination.
“I encourage Member States to uphold and promote the universality and indivisibility of human rights in pledging for a way forward for human rights for all older individuals, preserving in thoughts that the youth of immediately are the older individuals of tomorrow.”
Unbiased specialists
Unbiased Consultants are half of what’s generally known as the Particular Procedures of the Human Rights Council. They’re mandated to observe and report on particular thematic points, akin to human rights of older individuals, or nation conditions.
They serve of their particular person capability. They aren’t UN workers and don’t obtain a wage.
