The International Longevity Centre Canada (ILC-Canada) is an independent think tank created in 2015 and situated in Ottawa, Ontario. Our mission is to propose ideas and guidance for policies addressing population aging based on international and domestic research and practice with a view to bettering the lives of Canadians. We do this through a human rights lens, through knowledge development and exchange, recommendations of evidence-based polices, social mobilization, and networking.
International Longevity Centre Canada
Canadian Coalition Against Ageism
The Canadian Coalition Against Ageism (CCAA) is a nation-wide social change movement to eliminate ageism against older people while protecting and strengthening their human rights.
34th UN International Day of Older Persons Celebration
CCAA and ILCC were in New York City on Monday, October 7, 2024 to participate in the International Day of Older Persons Celebration.
This year’s theme is “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide.”
Draft Decision is approved by consensus at UN OEWG14
At the OEWG 14 in New York, older Canadians made their voices heard loudly, clearly, and powerfully, advocating for a UN convention on the rights of older persons, the elimination of ageism and the promotion and protection of their human rights. More than 24 members of the International Longevity Centre Canada (ILC Canada) and the Canadian Coalition Against Ageism (CCAA) provided strong civil society representation at the event.
Furthermore, there has been a groundswell of support from civil society, NGOs, NHRIs, major aging-related organizations, and a sufficient number of supportive member states to achieve a significant milestone.
ILCC is thrilled to inform you that yesterday marked a historic day in the 14-year history of the Open-ended Working Group on Ageing. The Fourteenth Session in New York took place from May 20–22 and 24, 2024.
The Draft Decision, submitted by the Chair of the Open-ended Working Group, recommends identifying gaps in the protection of the human rights of older persons and suggests how best to address them. This decision was approved by consensus, paving a clearer path forward. There were two oral revisions (also attached).
While the entire process outlining next steps has not been completed yet, further discussions will take place on Friday afternoon. The process is expected to advance this Draft Decision to the UN’s General Assembly, likely in September 2024.
Our expectation is that discussions on a Convention will move to the Human Rights Council in Geneva, and that a Forum on older persons will take place in New York every two years.
Draft Decision approved May 22, 2024
Oral Revision to Draft Decision May 22, 2024
What is Ageism?
Ageism 101: A Primer on Ageism Against Older Persons
Ageism is a form of discrimination and stereotyping based on age, which predominantly affects older individuals.
ILCC and CCAA have assembled this 2-page fact sheet about ageism.
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Please consider supporting the rights of older persons. Contact us to get in touch with how to donate.
