The Independent Expert on the human rights of older persons has made calls for submissions of inputs no later than 15 April 2021 (DEADLINE EXTENDED)
The Independent Expert on the human rights of older persons has made calls for submissions of inputs no later than 15 April 2021 on:
- The first call relates to a report on the causes, manifestations and prevalence of ageism and age discrimination and which will build upon the Expert’s 2020 report on COVID-19: https://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/OlderPersons/IE/Pages/AgeismAgeDiscrimination.aspx
- The second call is related to a report on the intersection between ageing and gender and the specific human rights concerns and challenges faced by older women: https://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/OlderPersons/IE/Pages/cfi-human-rights-of-older-women.aspx
Ageism and age discrimination
Ageism is based on the assumption that older persons are somehow lacking due to their age. Robert Butler who coined the term already in 1969 noted that prejudice against age is a prejudice against everyone since as longevity increases, we strive to become its ultimate victims. Whereas older persons represent the largest and one of the most heterogeneous segment of the global population, ageism perceives them in a generalised way built on assumptions and stereotypes. As such, ageism leads to age discrimination and hinders older persons from the full enjoyment of their human rights, as referenced in the Independent Expert’s 2016 comprehensive report (A/HRC/33/44, Para 62). Ageism can go both ways, creates negative impacts to younger generations too and contributes to an inter-generational divide.
Ageism and age discrimination were sharply brought to light during the COVID-19 pandemic that unveiled entrenched ageist attitudes in many areas, with older persons blamed to be the cause for lockdowns and other measures that restricted people’s freedoms. Given the disproportionate impact on older persons, the COVID-19 pandemic shone a spotlight on the gaps in human rights protections of this chronically invisible segment of the population and magnified existing violations of their rights. In this context, the first report presented by the Independent Expert to the General Assembly in 2020 (A/75/205) provided an initial assessment of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the human rights of older persons. The report found that, in many instances, response plans failed to include the specific needs of older persons and policies put in place to address the pandemic reiterated discriminatory approaches which were not as visible or apparent before the pandemic.
Objectives
Building upon her 2020 report, the Independent Expert will seek to examine and raise awareness of the prevalence of ageism and age discrimination in her upcoming report to the Human Rights Council. She will also aim to analyse their possible causes and manifestations, look at best practices, review how existing international, regional and national legal frameworks are used to protect against age-discrimination and provide recommendations.
Key questions
In order to inform the preparation of her report, the Independent Expert would like to seek contributions from States, national human rights institutions, civil society, academia, international and regional organizations, and all other relevant stakeholders, with a particular emphasis on sharing concrete examples and good practices where available.
While the Independent Expert welcomes any information, reports, legislation or other materials deemed pertinent to ageism and age-discrimination, she is particularly interested in the areas highlighted in this questionnaire:
Download the questionnaire (PDF): English | Français | Español
Older women
The Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons, Claudia Mahler, is mandated by the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC/RES/33/5) to report on developments, challenges and protection gaps in the realization of the rights of older persons as well as to assess the implementation of national, regional and international standards and identify best practices relevant to the rights of older persons. Throughout her work, the Independent Expert adopts an intersectional approach so as to address multiple and aggravated forms of discrimination faced by older persons.
Older persons represent a large, and the fastest growing, segment of the global population. Women form the majority of older persons with global demographic data consistently showing that women tend to live longer than men, especially at advanced ages. Older women also make substantial contributions to our societies and economies, including as informal caregivers, volunteers and community leaders. Ageing, however, is not gender-neutral and inequality and discrimination experienced by women during their lifespan is often exacerbated in older age. For example, older women are at a higher risk of living in poverty and of facing barriers in accessing basic rights such as health, adequate housing, and protection from violence, abuse and neglect. Yet, the specific challenges created by the intersection between age and gender often remain invisible and understudied.
Objectives
In this context, the Independent Expert will examine how older women experience ageing differently and what specific human rights concerns and challenges they face. In particular, her report will seek to analyse the causes of the discrimination and inequality affecting older women, identify good practices and formulate concrete recommendations.
Key questions
In order to inform the preparation of her report, the Independent Expert would like to seek contributions from States, national human rights institutions, civil society, academia, international and regional organizations, and all other relevant stakeholders, with a particular emphasis on sharing concrete examples and good practices where available.
While the Independent Expert welcomes any information, reports, legislation or other materials deemed pertinent to the protection and promotion of human rights of older women, she is particularly interested in the areas highlighted in this questionnaire:
Download the questionnaire (PDF): English | Français | Español
How to submit inputs
Please send your submissions in English, French or Spanish in attachment by email to olderpersons@ohchr.org, indicating in the heading “Submission to the call for contributions on ageism and age discrimination – 2021” or/and “Submission to the call for contributions on older women – 2021”. Please also kindly indicate whether you have any objection for the responses provided to be made available on the OHCHR webpage of the Independent Expert.