3C Resolution adopted by the UN
An essential step forward in recognizing of the human rights of older persons globally
Here is the official resolution.
The adoption of the 3C resolution by consensus at the UN General Assembly represents an essential step forward in recognizing the human rights of older persons globally. This resolution marks a notable milestone, emphasizing the need for protecting the dignity, inclusion, and safety of older individuals and acknowledging the growing and complex challenges they face worldwide. It calls for systematic and comprehensive actions across healthcare, social integration, and economic security to address these needs.
While this resolution sets a promising foundation, there remain significant steps to establish a binding UN convention specifically protecting older persons' rights. The extensive groundwork laid by initiatives like the Decade of Healthy Ageing and the Madrid International Plan of Action reflects steady progress; however, achieving a binding framework will demand persistent advocacy, alignment among member states, and deeper integration of these issues within national and international policy agendas.
For Canadians and Canada, active participation and leadership in this process are critical. Organizations like the Canadian Coalition Against Ageism (CCAA) and ILC Canada, alongside our partners, play a pivotal role in ensuring this movement progresses effectively and inclusively. Together, we must strive to maintain the momentum needed to realize a comprehensive human rights framework for older persons, contributing to a future where these rights are universally upheld.
Read the full resolution here.
OEWGA Milestone – UN Resolution A/RES/78/324
A Historic Milestone: Completion of the OEWGA Mandate
Here is the official GA resolution A/RES/78/324 has been issued: https://undocs.org/A/RES/78/324
In a major development, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/78/324 on August 13, 2024, marking the conclusion of the OEWGA’s mandate. The resolution acknowledges the work completed by the OEWGA, which had been tasked with considering the gaps in the protection of older persons' rights. This milestone underscores the commitment of the international community to addressing the challenges faced by older persons, particularly in terms of their human rights and well-being.
This resolution formally concludes the OEWGA’s work under agenda item “Social development: social development, including questions relating to the world social situation and to youth, ageing, persons with disabilities, and the family”. Yet, while the OEWGA has completed its mandate, the journey does not end here. The resolution urges relevant United Nations bodies to continue considering the recommendations adopted in decision 14/1 of the OEWGA.
Perhaps most significantly, the resolution requests the President of the General Assembly to convene a high-level meeting during the 79th session of the UN, where member states will exchange views and share experiences on the recommendations. This meeting will define the next steps on addressing the challenges and opportunities regarding the rights and well-being of older persons. The IPA will play a crucial role in contributing to these discussions, ensuring that mental health remains a central issue on the global agenda.
The Push for a UN Convention on Older Persons’ Rights:
Alongside this historic development, the IPA and our global partners have continued our advocacy for the adoption of a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons. This has been a long-standing objective, one that the IPA has championed within the OEWGA. The convention would fill the existing gaps in international law, providing a dedicated legal framework to protect the rights of older persons—including in the domain of mental health.
Without a convention, accountability and enforcement remain major challenges. Systems and states that fail to uphold older persons' rights often escape consequences. A convention would create the legal mechanisms necessary to hold governments accountable, ensuring that older persons everywhere enjoy the same rights and protections.
History at the United Nations
ILC Canada is a strong advocate for the rights of older people. The involvement we have with the United Nations is part of our advocacy plan for a UN Convention on the rights of Older People. Our team partakes in events and conferences at the United Nations Headquarters in New Year City and at the United Nations Office in Geneva every year. We also host side events at the UN Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) on Ageing in New York City.
Statements
Mobilizing for the United Nations
Mobilizing to Support the Rights of Older Persons. December 2, 2019.
Canada’s Statement
Interactive Session of the Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing. July 2018.
Letter to Minister Freeland
A letter to the Minister Freeland on the UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons. July 2018
ILC Canada addresses the UN
Margaret Gillis addresses the General Assembly on Sustainable Development Goals. July 2018.
Our Work
Watch our conversations with Canadian Ambassador to the UN, Bob Rae, and Assistant Secretary General for Human Rights, Ilse Brands-Kehris, for the documentary “Golden: The End of Ageism”.
