As societies continue to age, governments must address the unique challenges faced by older adults.
The National Association of Federal Retirees is advocating for the government of Canada to support a United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Older Persons.
A UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons would:
- Protect the human rights of older persons under international law.
- Encourage greater development of policies and programs benefiting older persons.
- Combat ageism.
Now is the time to join the call for a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons.
Why is a convention needed?
By 2030, adults aged 65 or older will make up 23 per cent of Canada’s population and number over 9.5 million. By 2050, one in six people in the world will be aged 65 or over.
Currently, there are no international, universally applicable standards to protect the rights of older persons. As a result, millions of older people are living in poverty, without access to the social and health services they need, and facing discrimination based on older age. And Canada is not immune to these issues.
A UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons would protect the rights of older persons, recognize the valuable economic and social contributions older persons make and provide a comprehensive and coherent framework for a world free from ageism and age discrimination.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Report on Ageism indicates that one in two people holds ageist attitudes towards older adults. Ageism is characterized by stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination based on age.
Measures are needed to prohibit discrimination based on age and to enable freedom from violence, neglect and abuse. These measures can also help ensure older persons have adequate income support as they age, opportunities to contribute to — and stay active in — their communities and access to health and social services, including long-term and home care.
What is Federal Retirees doing?
The National Association of Federal Retirees is partnering with the International Longevity Centre Canada and the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People in calling for a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons.
The 14th session of the United Nations Open-ended Working Group on Ageing is taking place the week of May 20. This is an opportunity to call for real change in having the rights of older persons acknowledged and protected around the world. Now is the time to join the call for a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons.
What can you do?
We need you to get involved, to ensure older persons’ voices are heard and respected.
Join Federal Retirees in calling on the government of Canada to support a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons.