Towards a Convention
What's the problem?
Age discrimination exists and needs to be tackled. But the current human rights system doesn't protect older people as it does other vulnerable groups.
Click on the mosaic above to see older people around the world speak out about the discrimination they face in everyday life.
We want the world to work towards a convention on the rights of older people.
There are already conventions for women, children and disabled people. We believe older people must have one too.
Discrimination keeps older people poor and marginalised. This is worse for the world, as more people live longer and the older population increases.
How will a convention help?
A convention on the rights of older people would provide protection of older people's rights under international law. It would also:
- Provide a defined, universal position that age discrimination and ageism are morally and legally unacceptable,
- Put age discrimination and older people's rights on governments', donors' and NGOs' agendas,
- Create a monitoring system which would hold those in authority accountable,
- Provide clarity on governments' human rights obligations towards older people.
A convention is the best solution. It is a legal treaty. When a country signs it they have to report back to the UN on how they are protecting the rights of the people the convention covers.
What are we doing?
We're monitoring the current human rights system, we're getting evidence of discrimination and we're rallying support.
You can help too! Sign our global petition to protect older people's rights.
