The ASEM Global Ageing Center (AGAC) hosted the 22nd ASEM Dialogue and Roundtable with Experts on the Human Rights of Older Persons, inviting Dr. Zvezdan Pirtošek, United Nations Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons and Professor of Neurology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia.

The meeting brought together representatives from academia, civil society, and the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK), including Suh Chung-ha, Executive Director of AGAC; Choi Sung-jae, Chairperson of AGAC and Professor Emeritus at Seoul National University; Lee Hye Kyung, former Executive Director dent of AGAC, Co-representative of the Supporters of the Human Rights of Older Persons, and Professor Emerita at Yonsei University; Cho Hyun-se, Chairperson of HelpAge Korea; attorney Seo Chae-wan of MINBYUN–Lawyers for a Democratic Society; Lee Sung-yoon of People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy; and Lee Dong-woo, Baek Ga-yoon, and Na Young-jae of the NHRCK. Participants engaged in an in-depth discussion on the enactment of a Framework Act on the Human Rights of Older Persons, ageism and self-determination, a future UN convention on the human rights of older persons, and directions for international cooperation.

The meeting began with opening remarks by AGAC Executive Director Suh Chung-ha. He explained that the roundtable provided an opportunity to review recent international developments concerning the human rights of older persons and to share Korea’s experiences and challenges. He expressed his hope for a broad exchange of views on international priorities and future cooperation to advance the human rights of older persons.

Independent Expert Dr. Pirtošek noted that international discussions on the human rights of older persons have reached an important turning point. Discussions within the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) on developing a legally binding international instrument on the human rights of older persons are gaining momentum, and he emphasized the importance of a rights-based approach that recognizes older persons not as recipients of welfare and protection, but as rights-holders. The discussion addressed key human rights issues emerging in a changing environment, including ageism, autonomy and self-determination, long-term care and caregiving, and digital transformation.

The meeting also addressed Korea’s efforts to enact a Framework Act on the Human Rights of Older Persons and ongoing discussions toward a future UN convention on the human rights of older persons. Dr. Lee Hye Kyung and attorney Seo Chae-wan shared the background and key issues surrounding the proposed Framework Act. Participants agreed on the importance of establishing effective implementation and monitoring mechanisms and ensuring the participation of older persons so that rights guaranteed by law can be translated into actual policies and institutions.

Participants also discussed how a future UN convention and Korea’s domestic legal framework could develop in a mutually reinforcing manner, as well as the need for greater participation from the Asia-Pacific region in international discussions. Particular attention was drawn to emerging human rights issues, including intersectional discrimination experienced by diverse groups of older persons and the digital divide, and the need to reflect these issues more actively in international discussions.

During the general discussion, representatives of the NHRCK, civil society, and experts on the human rights of older persons exchanged views on the effective implementation of human rights and ways to strengthen international cooperation. Key issues included safeguarding human rights in long-term care settings, securing the institutional and financial foundations necessary for effective policy implementation, and strengthening cooperation between national human rights institutions and the UN Independent Expert. The possibility of a future official country visit by the UN Independent Expert to the Republic of Korea was also proposed as a means of further enhancing international cooperation.

The roundtable reaffirmed the importance of moving policies concerning older persons from a protection- and welfare-oriented approach toward one centered on rights and participation. It also provided an opportunity to explore future cooperation by linking Korea’s efforts to enact the Framework Act with international discussions on a UN convention on the human rights of older persons.

For further details on the roundtable, please refer to the attached document.

AGAC will continue to promote policy research and international dialogue on the human rights of older persons through sustained exchange and cooperation with experts, national human rights institutions, and civil society organizations in Korea and abroad.