On October 3, 2024, Counsellor Mrs. Marissa del Rosario Blackett delivered a statement at the United Nations General Assembly’s Third Committee on the topic of “The Enjoyment of All Human Rights by Older Persons.”
The session began with a presentation by Ms. Claudia Mahler, Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of All Human Rights by Older Persons, who shared her recent report on future generations of older persons. Ms. Mahler emphasised the ongoing demographic shift, noting that the global population is becoming older and more diverse. She cited the UN Secretary-General’s report, which projects that the proportion of people aged 65 or older will rise from 10% in 2021 to 17% by 2050.
Ms. Mahler framed these statistics as a call to action, urging the international community to rethink its approach to development, policy, and law. She stressed the importance of fully integrating older persons into society, ensuring their rights are protected, and maximising their potential contributions. She also noted that structural changes are urgently needed to support the world’s ageing population, a point recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO).
While some progress has been made, Ms. Mahler pointed out that older persons are still largely overlooked in the international framework. She expressed concern that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, despite its commitment to leaving no one behind, often neglects older persons. Ms. Mahler also highlighted the persistence of structural ageism, worsened by the lack of a legally binding international instrument dedicated to the protection of older persons’ rights.
Ms. Mahler underscored several global challenges, including economic insecurity among older adults, ageism in the workplace, and inadequate social protection systems. She called for comprehensive measures to address structural ageism and urged the international community to recognise older persons not as passive recipients of care, but as active contributors with valuable knowledge and experience. She concluded by advocating for a fairer future that upholds the dignity and rights of older persons, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to contribute to a shared future.
In her statement, Counsellor Blackett highlighted the global increase in life expectancy as a significant achievement reflecting societal progress in healthcare and well-being. However, she stressed that simply living longer is not enough; older persons must enjoy their full human rights, including access to healthcare and protection from discrimination, poverty, and neglect. Counsellor Blackett emphasised the importance of safeguarding the autonomy, social participation, and economic security of older people. She highlighted the need for a world where the dignity and rights of every person, regardless of age, are fully respected and upheld throughout life.
