The UN OEWG on Aging (OEWG) has been working since 2011.
Recently, the IFA - International Federation on Aging has published an excellent report summarizing the history of the OEWG as well as its achievements thus far.
In its conclusion, the report states the following:
"Protecting the rights of older people enables them to live secure, dignified lives with the
ability to participate in that which they value. This report outlines the important steps that the
UN and others have taken to establish the OEWGA, while also emphasizing that there is much
more work to be done.
Despite the existence of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, older people are not
legally recognized under international human rights laws. The next crucial step the IFA and
partners must take is to advocate for a UN Convention on the rights of older people amongst
member states who lack knowledge or awareness on the importance of older people to
society.
Leading up and during to the IFA 15th Global Conference on Ageing "Rights Matter", the
work of the OEWGA will be used to mobilize enthusiasm in a targeted and strategic way to
raise the voices of older people and urge countries who are "on the edge" of supporting a
Convention on the Rights of Older People."
See full report:
