A major step forward for the rights of older persons
After years of making the case for a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons, the work has moved to the negotiating table, where discussions are now focused on what the new treaty will contain.
Work is underway on a new international treaty to strengthen the human rights of older persons and protections against ageism and age discrimination.
The push for a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons has reached an important milestone. After years of discussion about whether a convention was needed, the work has now moved to negotiating what the new treaty should contain.
In April 2025, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a landmark resolution establishing an intergovernmental working group tasked with drafting a new, legally binding international treaty to promote and protect the human rights of older persons.
The working group held its first session in Geneva from July 13 to 17, 2026, bringing together governments, civil society organizations, UN agencies, national human rights institutions and experts from around the world. The second session is scheduled to be held from Oct. 26 to 30, 2026.
As a founding member of the Canadian Coalition Against Ageism, Federal Retirees has long advocated for a UN convention and continues to support this crucial work alongside our partners.
The development of a convention is a significant and hard-won step toward stronger protections for the rights of older persons and against ageism and age discrimination worldwide. Federal Retirees will continue to follow the process and advocate for the voices and experiences of older persons to be reflected as the convention takes shape.
