"The 17th Talking about the Human Rights of Older Persons​: Ageism and Intersectionality in the Human Rights of Older Persons“

At the 17th Talking about the Human Rights of Older Persons, an in-depth discussion on “Ageism and Intersectionality in the Human Rights of Older Persons” was held with Ms. Silvia Perel-Levin, former Chairperson of the NGO Committee on Ageing in Geneva, Switzerland. The event, which took place on December 4, 2024, centered on ageism, intersectionality, and the need to strengthen international human rights mechanisms.

Ms. Perel-Levin ​provided a comprehensive analysis of ageism and intersectionality. It was pointed out that ageism intersects with various factors such as poverty, disability, gender, and mental health, limiting the autonomy and social participation of older persons. This intersectional discrimination extends beyond individual levels to affect society as a whole. To address these issues, Ms. Perel-Levin​ proposed a life-course and rights-based approach, which emphasizes recognizing older persons not as recipients of charity but as rights holders.

The discussion also highlighted the lack of international conventions and the resulting gaps in protection. The absence of age-related provisions in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the lack of a dedicated international convention addressing the rights of older persons were underscored. These gaps create significant barriers to safeguarding the rights of older persons, underscoring the urgent need for a new international convention.

Finally, Ms. Perel-Levin​ emphasized the roles of states and the international community in advancing the rights of older persons. The necessity for governments to respect, protect, and take appropriate measures to ensure these rights was reaffirmed. Furthermore, the importance of enhancing the roles of international organizations such as the United Nations in establishing more inclusive and effective human rights mechanisms was discussed.

*Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXWjbdECwyE