NHRIs contribute to first meeting of Intergovernmental Working Group on Older Persons’ Rights
The first organizational meeting of the Open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) on the human rights of older persons took place from 18 to 19 February 2026 in Geneva, marking the start of the process to develop a legally binding international instrument to protect and promote the rights of older persons.
While the meeting did not conclude with agreement on a procedural framework, it provided an important space for dialogue and set the stage for written contributions and further negotiations ahead. Delegations are expected to reconvene in the summer.
NHRI engagement and contributions
GANHRI participated in the organizational session alongside several member institutions and representatives from the GANHRI Working Group on the Human Rights of Older Persons (WG-HROP).
In its statement, GANHRI emphasized National Human Rights Institutions’ (NHRIs) unique positioning at the national level, operating at the interface between States, civil society and rights-holders, and their capacity to bring the lived experiences of older persons into engagement with public authorities.
Member States and the Chair equally underlined the importance of meaningful participation of older persons, civil society organisations, and NHRIs, recognizing their essential contribution to a legitimate and effective outcome.
Claudia Mahler, Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by older persons reflected after the session: “It is encouraging to see NHRIs from all regions of the world engaged in these discussions. As human rights experts, they bring unique perspective. Their mandates, proximity to rights-holders, and national-level experience are invaluable assets as we advance the protection of older persons.”
In a statement released ahead of the meeting, the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI) set out key recommendations on transparent and inclusive working methods for the IGWG.
NHRIs from Greece, Guatemala, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda also delivered interventions focusing on participation, accountability, and closing protection gaps.
During the panel discussion on elements of a future legally binding instrument, Commissioner Beda Angeles Epres of the Philippines Human Rights Commission argued that the treaty should empower NHRIs with a formal mandate as a monitoring mechanism, include a complaint mechanism, and strengthen accountability.
Next steps
The organizational meeting focused on establishing the procedural framework for the IGWG’s substantive work ahead. While delegations did not reach agreement on that framework, the Chair confirmed the process will be opened for written contributions in the coming weeks. Member States, NHRIs, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders will be invited to submit their suggestions.
As the IGWG moves forward, it is important to ensure transparency, inclusiveness and accessibility throughout all stages of the drafting process, including the meaningful participation of older persons and their representative organisations.
Two substantive sessions are scheduled for July and October 2026, where delegations will begin addressing the core content of the proposed legally binding instrument.
Supporting coordinated NHRI engagement
To support coordinated NHRI engagement throughout this process, GANHRI has developed a strategy on the IGWG (also available in French and Spanish).
The strategy proposes a two-tiered approach: enabling broad participation through information-sharing and capacity-building, while also facilitating deeper engagement for institutions wishing to contribute substantive inputs or participate directly in sessions.
GANHRI stands ready to work constructively with all stakeholders, including Member States, civil society organizations, older persons themselves, UN entities, and regional networks in advancing this landmark process.
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Editorial note: Established through Human Rights Council Resolution 58/13 in April 2025, the IGWG represents the culmination of decades of advocacy by civil society, independent experts, and NHRIs. The resolution explicitly recognizes NHRIs as key stakeholders and encourages them to “contribute actively and constructively to the work of the working group.”
