Geneva, 17 March 2025 – A coalition of 16 National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), including Timor-Leste’s Provedoria for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ), has submitted a joint written statement to the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council (24 February to 4 April 2025). The statement highlights the urgent need to strengthen the protection of older persons’ rights within the global human rights framework.
Led by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea, the statement calls for the drafting of a new international legally binding instrument that would safeguard the human rights of older persons. This follows the adoption of Decision 14/1 by the UN Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing and Resolution 78/324 by the UN General Assembly, both underscoring the critical gaps in protection and urging further action.
The NHRIs reaffirm their belief that the UN Human Rights Council is the appropriate body to take forward these efforts and advocate for meaningful participation by older persons, Civil Society Organizations, and NHRIs in this important process.
Key Upcoming Events:
- Side Event: 10 March 2025, 1-2 p.m. CET, Palais des Nations (Geneva),
- GANHRI Working Group on Ageing and the Human Rights of Older Persons Meeting: 13 March 2025, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. CET, International Conference Centre Geneva
The 58th Session of the Human Rights Council continues to be a critical platform for advancing the rights of older persons, with NHRIs pushing for tangible progress towards ensuring their recognition, protection, and equality in society.
List of Signatory NHRIs:
- Colombia – Defensoría del Pueblo
- Ethiopia – Ethiopian Human Rights Commission
- Finland – Finnish Human Rights Institution
- Georgia – Public Defender’s Office
- Kenya – Kenya National Commission on Human Rights
- Korea – National Human Rights Commission of Korea
- Mongolia – National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia
- Nigeria – National Human Rights Commission
- Philippines – Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines
- Poland – The Commissioner for Human Rights
- Serbia – Protector of Citizens
- Slovenia – Human Rights Ombudsman
- Sweden – Swedish Institute for Human Rights
- Thailand – National Human Rights Commission of Thailand
- Timor-Leste – Provedoria for Human Rights and Justice
- Zambia – Human Rights Commission
Stay tuned for further updates on this important human rights issue.
This post is also available in: Tetun