History in making as governments draft a legally-binding treaty for rights of older persons

History in making as governments draft a legally-binding treaty for rights of older persons

This is indeed a historic first when governments come together to draft a legally binding possible treaty to protect the human rights of older persons. The first-ever historic Inter Governmental Working Group (IGWG) meeting to protect the rights of older persons was held recently. IGWG was created by the UN Human Rights Council in April 2025 and given the mandate to draft a legally binding UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons.

"It has taken older persons, with support from the not-so-old ones, over two decades of advocacy and efforts to reach this point where governments are convening to draft a legally binding possible treaty to age with rights. The process follows the recognition that existing international human rights treaties do not specifically address the human rights of older peoples, leaving them vulnerable to violations, particularly regarding access to care, social protection, and in humanitarian crises," said Shobha Shukla, who was among the registered delegates for IGWG as part of those with lived experience as well as representing Development Justice for Older Persons (DJ4OP) campaign.

Well, better late than never. The Convention is expected to protect the rights of older persons, recognise 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.

While opening the IGWG meet, Nada Al-Nashif, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, who, like Shobha, is a senior citizen herself, said that "meaningful participation is essential. Older persons themselves - in all their diversity, including older women, older persons with disabilities, those belonging to indigenous peoples, minorities and rural communities - must be actively engaged in this process. Civil society organisations, national human rights institutions and independent experts bring indispensable experience, data and insight. An inclusive and transparent process will strengthen both the legitimacy and the quality of the outcome."

"We are living in an age of ageing with a fast growing number of older people. Life expectancy has increased significantly in most settings, over the past years. Japan has nearly 100,000 people aged 100 or older - the highest in the world, with women comprising roughly 88% of this population. By 2050 the population of persons above 60 years of age is projected to grow to 2.1 billion (nearly one fifth of the total global population)," said Shobha.

Longevity is one of humanity's greatest achievements. Yet the promise of longer life is too often accompanied by persistent gaps in the protection of human rights.

Ageism lurks

Instead of celebrating older age we fear it and ageism fuels this fear.

What is ageism? "Ageism is one big elephant in the room. It includes harmful norms, stereotypes, narratives and tropes against older persons. It affects women more than men; less educated more than better educated. To be a gender diverse person or a woman or one with disability and to be elderly is double trouble in many countries including India, more so if you stand up against ageism and do not fit into the norm. Subtle nuances of ageism abound in every nook and corner and lurk where you least expect them - homes, society at large, workplace, industry, healthcare facilities, media... the list is endless," said Shobha Shukla, while speaking in SHE & Rights session organised by Global Center for Health Diplomacy and Inclusion (CeHDI), Fos Feminista, Women's Rights Caucus, Women Deliver Conference 2026, International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW) and partners.

"At home and in society at large, relationships are often defined by age. Intimacy, companionship, love and support are as important for the elderly as for the young. Yet these human needs are expected to dry up with advancing years, and any manifestation of them is looked down upon. Families often underestimate the ability of elders (especially women) to live on their own and lead an independent life. It is deemed okay for 'elders to go on a pilgrimage' but not on a vacation or leisure trip; it is okay for them to 'attend a religious discourse', but watching a bawdy movie or play is unacceptable. Grandparents (especially grandmothers) are expected to take care of their grand kids and deemed selfish if they have other priorities in life," said Shobha Shukla of DJ4OP, who also founded and leads CNS (Citizen News Service).

Word 'retired' reeks of ageism

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