Geneva, 10 March 2025 – The Provedor for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ) of Timor-Leste, Virgílio da Silva Guterres ‘Lamukan’, has called for a legally binding international convention to protect the rights of older persons. Speaking at the high-level side event “NHRIs at the Forefront: Strengthening Cooperation with States and Civil Society in Advancing a Convention on the Rights of Older Persons,” Guterres emphasized the need for stronger global commitments to address the vulnerabilities faced by aging populations.
During his intervention at the Palais des Nations, Guterres highlighted Timor-Leste’s constitutional framework, which explicitly affirms the rights of older persons to economic and social assistance. He noted that this commitment has been reflected in national policies such as the universal social pension program, which provides direct financial support to elderly citizens. However, he pointed out that despite these efforts, significant challenges remain, particularly for older persons in rural areas who continue to face barriers in accessing healthcare, social services, and legal protections.
“The absence of a comprehensive international legal framework further exacerbates these challenges, highlighting the urgent need for a binding international convention on the rights of older persons,” Guterres stated.
The event, held on the sidelines of the 2025 GANHRI Annual Meeting and the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, featured panel discussions led by NHRI representatives, UN agencies, and civil society organizations. Speakers, including Bridget Sleap from Human Rights Watch and Bethany Brown from the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older Persons (GAROP), stressed that older persons are often subjected to discrimination, economic insecurity, and lack of access to essential services.
Guterres reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s commitment to advocating for a global convention, calling on states to actively support the drafting process and ensure older persons are meaningfully engaged. He urged NHRIs to strengthen regional and global cooperation in pushing for legal protections, while also calling on civil society organizations and UN bodies to maintain pressure for urgent action.
“Timor-Leste stands committed to this cause, and the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice will continue to work tirelessly to ensure dignity, equality, and justice for all older persons,” Guterres concluded.
The event concluded with a strong consensus on the necessity of a dedicated UN convention, with stakeholders agreeing that NHRI engagement is crucial in advancing legal protections for older persons.
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