Why it's time for a convention on the rights of older people

The world is ageing, age discrimination is rife and existing human rights mechanisms do not protect the rights of older people.

HelpAge International believes the time has come for an international convention on the rights of older people.

This would provide a clear conceptual, legal and accountability framework to assist governments, the private sector, NGOs and others to make decisions that positively address population ageing, eliminate age discrimination and better protect older women and
men's rights.

We also call for the appointment of a UN special rapporteur on the rights of older people to act as a focal point for older people's rights.

This paper shows how older people's rights are being violated.

It explains why existing rights mechanisms are failing older people and why a convention and special rapporteur is necessary.

Download Why It`s Time for a Convention on the Rights of Older People