60th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons

Mr. President,

My Delegation takes note of the report of the Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of All Human Rights by Older Persons on the “Intersection between older person’s right to social protection and their right to work”.[1]

By 2030, 1 in 6 people worldwide will be aged 60 or over, accounting for 1.4 billion of the global population. This figure is expected to double by 2050.[2] However, societies are not sufficiently prepared to address this demographic shift with proper respect and practical consideration for the fragility and dignity of older persons,[3] including regard for their economic and social well-being. This demographic shift is also a moral test of how societies value and care for their elders.

Indeed, many countries must find a sound balance between supporting active citizens and providing assistance to those in need, to prevent social systems from collapsing. Such efforts must not be made at the expense of the dignity of older people, which does not diminish with age or physical and mental deterioration. Through their wisdom, experience and skills, older persons are part of the solution and not part of the problem. Furthermore, a person’s worth cannot be defined by youth, efficiency, physical vigor, or perfect health, because it lies in the unchanging truth that each person  is created in the image and likeness of God, a fact that cannot be erased by time itself.

 When older persons are considered to be a social and economic burden, an increasing strain is placed on public services so that the needs of growing elderly populations can be met. In such contexts, there can even be a concerted push to legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide. These “throw-away” policies foster a culture of death rather than respect for the elderly.

Providing social protection is crucial for honoring and upholding the dignity of older persons. This can be achieved, inter alia, through pensions, cash benefits, and health and social care services. However, as this report outlines, many older persons are forced to remain in the workforce or the informal economy due to protection gaps, which make retirement practically and financially impossible.[4] Consequently, they are denied the rest they deserve and the opportunity to pass on their wisdom and advice to the younger generations, enabling them to face the future with hope and responsibility.⁵

Therefore, laws and policies should be adopted to combat age-based discrimination, particularly in the labor market and in accessing social protection measures. In particular, older women should enjoy equal access to social protection, the labor market, and pensions, so as to protect them from poverty in old age.⁶

For social security systems to work, a strong bond between generations is essential.  The family is the primary place where healthy intergenerational solidarity is fostered. In the world’s poorest regions, the family is often the only source of social protection for many people. For this reason, my Delegation also calls for greater investment social protection policies that support families, in order to strengthen and safeguard the family as the enduring foundation of human society.

Thank you, Mr. President.