What does equality really mean?
Equality is about ensuring all people, regardless of race, gender, age and physical ability, have access to the same rights, the same opportunities and are treated equally. It’s one of the most important cornerstones of democracy.
To be discriminated against is to have your access to equality denied or curtailed.
Age discrimination denies older people’s right to equality.
Currently, older people are routinely denied equality. This is most obvious when it comes to accessing effective medical care or social protection, but it also extends to employment: many, many older people would like to work but are discriminated against when applying for jobs.
International law requires governments to eliminate all forms of discrimination, including discrimination based on age.
But unlike sex, gender or race, age discrimination isn’t specifically listed in human rights instruments. As a result, age discrimination is rife and largely unchallenged; laws and policies differ from county to country and offer varying levels of protection and effectiveness.
