Organisation of American States adopts first convention on the rights of older people

Organization of AmericanStates logoThe Organisation of American States adopted the first legally binding instrument that seeks to promote and protect the rights of older persons.

On 15th June the Inter-American Convention on Protecting the Human Rights of Older Persons was adopted by the General Assembly of the Organisation of American States, showcasing the region’s commitment to strengthening the protection of the rights of this group. The convention was immediately signed by the governments of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica and Uruguay but was not endorsed by Canada and the United States of America (see footnote in draft resolution).

This convention enshrines a number of substantive rights, such as freedom from abuse and discrimination as well as the necessary monitoring and accountability mechanisms required to put them into practice.

During the event commemorating the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15-16 June, a representative of the Commission said that the European Union will follow the implementation of this new legal tool in order to evaluate its efficiency and added value in protecting the rights of older persons.

Read here the press release of Organisation of American States

For more information you may contact Nena Georgantzi, Nena.georgantzi@age-platform.eu

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