1st Meeting, 2nd Session of the Intergovernmental Working Group on Older Persons (IGWG)

Very good morning, Excellencies, distinguished participants. The return journey from New York of the Argentine Ambassador has been delayed, so it won't be possible for him to take part this afternoon. This is why the Chair has asked me that for this meeting, and with the permission of the room, given that I was put forward as a replacement for the session, I suggest that we proceed as planned. I declare open, therefore, the second session of the Intergovernmental Working Group to draft a legally binding instrument on the Human Rights of Older Persons. Excellencies, distinguished representatives of States, representatives of UN bodies, of national human rights institutions and civil society, colleagues, it's an honor to welcome you to the second session of the Intergovernmental Working Group established by resolution 58/13 by the Human Rights Council. The mandate is to draft and present to the Council a draft international legally binding instrument on the human rights of older persons. I'd like to begin by expressing my thanks to all delegations for their commitment to this process. My thanks also go to the OHCHR for their support and preparation. Allow me to acknowledge the active participation of older persons, of their representative organizations, of civil society, and of other stakeholders. including many experts who are here with us from various governmental agencies and other spheres such as the university sector. We want to hear from you about experience and needs so that this can help nourish the process. Excellencies and distinguished delegates, The first session, which took place in July, was an important point in our work and in building a shared understanding of the task before us. It allowed us to begin a substantive exchange on the mandate of the group, on relevant background, and different perspectives with a view to drafting a future instrument. This second session offers an opportunity to continue this work and to move towards a more structured approach of its component parts. During this session, our goal will be to identify and examine aspects that could be included in a future instrument. and we should do this in an orderly and progressive fashion. Our deliberations will allow us to delve deeper into issues connected to the preamble, principles and obligations, any relevant definitions, a catalogue of rights, and the mechanisms for implementation, follow-up, and cooperation. These are all interconnected. This is why it will be important to consider its specific characteristics as well as the connections between them. These contributions will gradually help build a coherent vision of the instrument as a whole, but it will also look at the different characteristics of the five segments. As Chair, we will strive to ensure this process is inclusive, transparent, and balanced. and that all delegations and representatives of civil society can have the opportunity to contribute. The participation of five regional groups will be crucial to ensure that this process reflects the diverse views of the international community. We trust that this second session will allow us to lay the foundation of our work towards a legally binding international instrument, that we will delve into any aspects that are typical to a multilateral experience, and that we will establish the prerequisites in order to continue to move forward to comply with the mandate given to us by the Human Rights Council. Chair Rapporteur of Argentina, is available until December to hear from delegations and all committed stakeholders, bearing in mind the intergovernmental nature of our negotiations. We wish all of you a constructive session. Having said this, I'll now switch to English and we will look at item 1 of the agenda, which is the opening of the session.

I declare open the second session of the open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group for the elaboration of a legally binding instrument on the promotion and protection of the human rights of older persons. At the outset, I have the pleasure of welcoming Mr. Dimitar Shalev, Chief of the Equality and Non-Discrimination Branch within the Thematic and Special Procedures Division at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to deliver opening remarks. Mitesha Lev, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, representatives of civil society, national human rights institutions, and all the persons, It is a great pleasure to join you at the opening of this second session of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Human Rights of Older Persons. Underpinning the establishment of this working group are the lived realities of older persons, with persistent barriers they face in the full and equal enjoyment of their human rights. For many older persons, The promise of enjoyment of all human rights is still not fully reflected in their everyday lives. Ageism and age discrimination, violence, neglect, and abuse, as well as gaps in social protection, health, and long-term care, and meaningful participation persist. These challenges can be compounded by other forms of discrimination and by the very different circumstances in which older persons live. When violations occur, gaps in law, policy, and practice often leave them without adequate protection or effective remedy. These are not isolated protection gaps. They recur across very different legal, economic, and cultural contexts. They suggest a structural gap, one that is rooted not in the absence of human rights, but in the absence of a framework that articulates, organizes, and makes claimable the specific ways those rights are denied to other persons. A future instrument must respond to these realities. It must provide greater clarity about what the equal enjoyment of human rights by all persons requires, strengthen human rights protection where gaps remain, and support more effective implementation and accountability. To do so, it must be rooted in the lived experiences of older persons in all their diversity and informed by their voices and perspectives. For this reason, meaningful participation of older persons and their representative organizations remains essential to this process. Their experiences and perspectives are critical to ensuring that the instrument responds not only to established principles of international human rights law, but also to the barriers encountered in exercising those rights in practice. Excellencies, Distinguished delegates, the first session of this working group laid an important foundation for the work ahead. It reaffirmed the shared commitment to advance the protection of the human rights of all persons and created valuable momentum for this process. As the work moves forward, it is crucial to keep its fundamental purpose firmly in view. the development of a legally binding instrument that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of older persons and ensure that they enjoy all their human rights on equal footing with others. This second session provides an important opportunity to give greater substance to that ambition. The discussion ahead on the key elements of the future instrument are not simply technical questions of treaty design. The choices made in defining its scope, articulating rights and state obligations, and considering implementation and monitoring will ultimately determine the strength and effectiveness of this instrument. Your inputs throughout the next week will be essential in determining the next stages of the process. Throughout these discussions, we encourage you to keep the ultimate objective firmly in view. The value of a future instrument will be measured not only by the standards it establishes, but by its capacity to bring about real change in the lives of all the persons. That means an instrument capable of strengthening equality and preventing discrimination, an instrument that safeguards autonomy and participation, an instrument that provides stronger protection when rights are at risk and supports accountability and effective remedy when violations occur. This process presents an opportunity to translate commitment into concrete legal protection and transpiration into rights that can be effectively enjoyed in practice. Achieving this will require openness to different experiences and perspectives, and a sustained commitment to finding common ground. It will also require ambition about what a new international instrument can achieve. In closing, I would like to reiterate the support of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to this process, and I wish all success in your deliberations. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Dimitar, for your statement and also for the strong support of the Office to the process. We now move to agenda item 2 on the adoption of the agenda and programme of work for the second session of the Working Group. The draft programme of work for this session has been placed on the webpage of the Working Group. Are there any questions or comments with regard to the provisional agenda or draft programme of work? I see none. May I take that the working group is ready to adopt the agenda and program of work for the second session? I see no objection. It is so decided. Let's move then to agenda item 3, general statements. As far as the modalities for this working group are concerned, I would like to remind you that the speaking time limits will be three minutes for interventions. States and international organizations are asked to raise their nameplates to inscribe on their list of speakers. Other stakeholders are requested to confirm their speaking slot at the list of speakers desk in the room 15 minutes before the beginning of the debate. As announced at the organizational session in February 2026, national human rights institutions, civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders We have an opportunity to speak at the end of each item or sub-item on our agenda. We will now proceed to hear general statements under item 3 of our agenda and in accordance with our programme of work. And the first delegation on my list is Ecuador.

Thank you very much, Chair. My delegation aligns itself to the recognition for Ambassador Fuorori, as well as all of the team from the Argentinian mission for the conditions for this process. We, along with members of the core group, would take this opportunity to support the co-facilitators. After more than a decade of deliberation in New York and the adoption of mandate 58/13 that Ecuador co-sponsored, it's undoubtable that this working group has a solid basis to move forward to creating a normative framework and establish an instrument that can absolve us of historic debt for older persons. We stand ready, as we've done in the past with human rights treaties, but we will support, we have been appointed as a member of the Council for the next period, so we would like to draw from our own journey. Older persons are a priority group, and we have an Act on older persons and its regulating provision. which includes standards from the Inter-American Commission, for example. From this experience, my delegation has three guiding principles to put forward: one, that the universality, indivisibility of human rights requires a category of rights without distinction or hierarchy; secondly, There's a need to recognize that older persons are not a homogeneous group, so we need to look at the multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination they face, including older women, older persons with disabilities, those belonging to indigenous communities, and people of African descent, rural groups. And then thirdly, there's the fundamental importance to uphold the highest standards of transparency and inclusivity, including a significant participation of older persons themselves and their representative organisations at every stage of the process. We agree with the Chair Rapporteur that the current financial crisis of the United Nations cannot lead to more delay. We need to ensure that we keep up the momentum with this process and listening to all relevant actors, moving towards a zero draft that will allow us to consolidate our intergovernmental efforts based on the text. Finally, my delegation is pleased that the draft so far addresses rights in a unified way and obligations of States, and we hope that this can lead to a constructive discussion that leads us towards an efficient, technically adequate, and sufficiently supported instrument. I thank.

You.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Ecuador.

The distinguished representative from the EU.

At the outset, allow me to thank you, Team Argentina, and other members of the core group and the Secretariat for the arrangements made for the session. The European Union looks forward to continue engaging with the Working Group to address protection gaps and to enhance the respect for, protection and fulfilment of human rights of older persons. Mr. Chair, the EU is fully committed to and active in promoting the full enjoyment of all human rights by older persons without discrimination. We support a human rights-based approach to ageing that recognises older persons as rights holders and active members of society. In recent months, the EU built further on its significant legislative and policy achievements and concrete actions benefiting older persons and spanning multiple issues. The first strategy for intergenerational fairness presented by the European Commission in March serves as a long-term foundation for fair policy-making benefiting all age groups, including older persons. Since July, new actions respectively seek to place housing, mental health and cross-generational inclusion at the centre of local governance and to address loneliness of older persons. As the work of this IGWG continues, we look forward to the discussions this week, and our Member States will contribute to the various sessions. We would welcome broad, meaningful participation by national human rights institutions, CSOs, older persons and their representatives from all regions. We are also grateful for inputs received from stakeholders before the session. At the same time, allow us to recall our plea for early circulation of preparatory material, here notably the guiding questions. As a Union, we need time to consult in order to be able to prepare inputs. Our Member States require time for thorough preparations, including inter-ministerial and other coordination, as well as the consultation of national and regional stakeholders. By the end of this session, greater clarity on an indicative timetable, opportunities for written inputs, and practical steps for inter-session work would help ensure inclusive and well-prepared future contributions. Having said this, we emphasize once again that the development of standards relating to the rights of older persons must be fully aligned and build on international human rights law, including the CRPD, to which the EU is an early party to, alongside its member states, as well as relevant regional instruments, We strongly reaffirm the need that any future legally binding instrument does not regress from existing standards, and that it embodies and adheres to the principles of universality, indivisibility, interdependence and interrelatedness of all human rights. Moreover, international human rights law is founded on the principle that every person possesses inherent dignity and equal rights. Therefore, older persons must be recognized as individual rights holders and states as duty bearers. Finally, we also recommend that we give priority focus on the issues that have since long been discussed in our deliberations and raised by older persons' representatives. Notably, their prevention of and protection from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation, access to justice, effective remedies, and support services, accessibility, non-discrimination, equality, and autonomy, combating ageism, age-based stereotypes, and prejudice, and age-based discrimination, with special attention to multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, and meaningful participation, et cetera. In closing, Chair, we wish you much success in steering our crucial work once again this week. Our full statement is online. Many thanks.

Thank you. Iraq has the floor.

Thank you, Chair.

Iraq supports the efforts to establish a legally binding instrument to promote the human rights of older persons, to guarantee enjoyment of their rights and their participation as well as respect for their dignity. Iraq believes that the principles of the United Nations and international human rights treaties should be the basis, as well as universality of rights, their interdependence, connectedness, their indivisibility, and respect for the vital rights of human rights should draw from the experience of older persons and their role in society, as well as intergenerational exchange. This is important. As to the definition, we need to establish clear legal concepts, understanding who are older persons and what are the socio-economic, cultural circumstances surrounding their situation as well as age itself, we need to ensure protection against discrimination and ageism. In the framework, we are looking at the principles that should be included. We have legality, independence, and social and family care are important, as well as participation in society. These will be priorities. On a national level, we have a constitutional and legal framework, an Act 6, and our Act from 2014, as well as other legislation for social protection and healthcare to protect against negligence. These acts are operational. We think it is important to place importance on the role of society and the State. Health care centres need to ensure protection for older persons, including financial exploitation or any undignified treatment. Iraq stresses the importance of access to justice, fundamental services, participation in decision-making without this affecting their independence. Iraq believes that the text must be balanced and that it can be implemented, and that it takes into consideration socio-cultural characteristics of countries, as well as their capacity in respect for their value system. We stand ready to take part in the negotiation process in order to conclude a legally binding text that protects older persons and guarantees a dignified life for them. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate from Iraq, and I now give the floor to the Ambassador of Slovenia.

Thank you, Chair. Thank you for the floor. Slovenia aligns itself with the EU statement. We reiterate our strong support for the ongoing process towards the elaboration of a legally binding instrument on the human rights of older persons. Chair, the work of this working group is entering a crucial phase, where the positions expressed so far will be translated into a draft new instrument. Our goal remains to ensure full and equal employment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by older persons, and to address the gaps in their promotion and protections in law and in practice. The instrument must be clear, comprehensive and coherent, firmly grounded in international human rights law and informed by the lived experience, needs and perspectives of older persons themselves. Allow me now to briefly outline Slovenia's positions regarding the main substantive clusters of the new instrument. First, the preamble should set out a clear rationale for the instrument, acknowledge the diversity and contributions of older persons, address ageism, discrimination, and other structural barriers, and recognize demographic change. Second, definitions should be comprehensive enough to ensure consistent interpretation and implementation in line with existing international human rights law. Third, general principles. They should provide a strong foundation, including dignity, autonomy, independence, equality, and non-discrimination, participation, accessibility, and respect for the will and preferences of older persons. Fourth, general obligations should require State Parties to take effective measures to respect, protect and fulfil the rights set out in the instrument. Slovenia, furthermore, supports a comprehensive catalogue of rights responding to the specific challenges older persons face. Particular attention should be given to protection from violence, abuse and neglect. access to health and long-term care, social protection, and participation in public life. The instrument should also respond to new and emerging issues not adequately covered by existing treaties. Effective implementation will inter alia require appropriate monitoring mechanisms, and we will need to be resourceful in designing them. Chair, in conclusion, Slovenia will continue to engage constructively. We appeal to all delegations and stakeholders to renew their commitments to the next phases, which will require sustained political will and a genuine search for consensus. States and non-state actors must work hand in hand together to fulfill the mandate of this working group. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished Ambassador of Slovenia, and I now have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished Ambassador of Chile.

Chile is grateful to the Secretariat for the efforts undertaken to continue with the work of this group and reaffirms its commitment to the drafting of an international legally binding instrument on the human rights of older persons. We take a positive view of the outcomes from the first session, which make it possible to hold a constructive dialogue and to identify significant areas of convergence as regards the principles to be contained in the future instrument. We believe that this progress is a solid basis to begin a new stage in which these convergences will become a document. As we flagged at that session, Chile believes it vital that the instrument is built upon existing international standards. drawing from experience accumulated at the national, regional and local levels. And in particular, we believe that the Inter-American Convention on the Protection of Human Rights of Older Persons is a valuable reference point to prepare a document which will look at existing gaps as well as human rights. We also reiterate the need to consolidate a paradigm shift towards a human rights-based approach, which would acknowledge older persons as fully-fledged rights holders and active participants in our society, overcome views which would be exclusively assistance-based. We believe that dignity, autonomy, equality and non-discrimination on the grounds of health should play a key role in the future instrument. We also recognise the diversity of experiences and circumstances of older persons. Based on our national experience, the recent adoption of the comprehensive law on older persons and the promotion of a dignified, active and healthy ageing reflects Chile's commitment to these principles and to strengthening the protection of their rights. Chair. We restate our support to the proposed roadmap for the next stage of this work, and we hope that the discussions this week will make it possible to continue to pinpoint areas of convergence through constructive and inclusive dialogue, which would consider the proposals made by States, national human rights institutions, civil society, and in particular, older persons. Lastly, Chile will continue to make a constructive contribution to this process with the view of moving forward on drafting an international legally binding instrument which is ambitious and which strengthens existing international standards, and will contribute to ensuring the full enjoyment and exercise of human rights of all older persons. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished Ambassador of Chile, and I now give the floor to the delegation of Cape Verde, to be followed by Malta.

Thank you, sir. Cabo Verde welcomes the fact that this Intergovernmental Working Group will continue its work and reiterates its support to the work underway with a view to an international legally binding instrument on the human rights of older persons. For Cabo Verde, the process takes on major importance. Aging should not be considered simply as a demographic phenomenon or a challenge for the social protection and health systems. First and foremost, this is an issue to do with human rights, human dignity, equality when it comes to social justice, and intergenerational solidarity. This cannot be a reason for exclusion, discrimination, or loss of autonomy and independence. It is therefore necessary to ensure that older persons are recognized not only as beneficiaries and enjoy protection, but as rightsholders with their own rights and their ability to participate in decisions affecting their lives. Our contribution is based on Cabo Verde's national experience and the choices that we have made in our legal system, as well as the challenges as regards public responses. In our constitution, in Article 67, And in a public policy legislative framework, we recognize the responsibility of the family, society, and the authorities in promoting the dignity, the social protection of older persons, and their integration into the community. With respect to this legal framework, we have a national care plan adopted in 2017, and international human rights aging instruments. We have a national strategic plan for active ageing and good health, and the health of older persons, as well as a strategy for the development and establishment of a system for 2025, 2030. All of these initiatives reflect important guidance, and public policy should not simply be considered as a responsibility to do with the family. but should look at the social protection dimension, which requires coordination between states, municipalities, families, professionals, healthcare and civil society organizations. We reaffirm our belief that an internationally legally binding instrument, which is clear, comprehensive, and effectively applicable, could be a significant stride, step forward in the protection of older persons. and could strengthen the ability of States to prevent violations and combat discrimination, as well as guarantee equal conditions of ageing at all stages. We would like to take a constructive approach in this process, in a spirit of dialogue and openness, cooperation and firm commitment towards human dignity. equality and the full enjoyment of human rights for all persons. I hope that in the coming days I will have an opportunity to take the floor once again at this forum. Thank you, sir.

Thank you, Excellency. I now give the floor to the distinguished Ambassador of Malta, followed by Jordan.

Thank you, Mr. Chair Rapporteur. Malta aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union. We take the floor at this general debate at the commencement of the second session of the IGWG on the rights of older persons to once again reiterate our full support to this process intended to elaborate a legally binding instrument on the rights of older persons. As we had stated during the first session of this IGWG in July this year, this process should now proceed to a more detailed discussion between Member States and civil society on the content of the legally binding instrument. we consider the debate on whether this instrument is required as having exhausted its evaluation. Malta is also pleased to have been nominated by its regional group to serve as one of the co-facilitators of this process. We look forward to contributing further to the IGWG's work, not just in support from the floor, but a Member State that is ready to facilitate agreement between Member States, civil society, and all stakeholders to derive a way forward in the elaboration of the instrument on the basis of their contributions as this process moves forward. Malta will present proposals on different segments of the discussion under item 4 of the agenda that reflect its priorities on the content of the future instrument. These proposals are intended as contributions to this process to ensure that the future instrument provides the required framework on the rights of older persons and more importantly, the promotion and protection of their rights. I thank you.

Thank you, Ambassador, and we are also very happy to count on Malta as one of our facilitators. Thank you for your commitment and your support. Jordan Cazaflor.

I thank you, Chair.

We appreciate the efforts in guiding the second session with the aim of advancing the protection of older persons. Our shared purpose is clear, ensuring that everyone can grow older with security and peace of mind. In Jordan, people age 60 and above accounted for 5.5% of the population in 2024. By 2050, that share is expected to reach around 10%.

As our population ages, public policy must keep pace.

So that rights remain effective at every stage of life.

Jordan is responding through a national strategy on older persons and social protection, building on measures already in place.

For example, Jordanian citizens aged 60 and above are covered in civil health insurance.

The state pays their insurance contributions.

This help addresses a practical barrier to the enjoyment.

Of the right to health: the cost of obtaining care when treatment becomes a continuing need.

Accessible care must also extend to the home. Families caring for an older relative.

Should be able to obtain professional guidance and access to home care services when needed.

That support must also reach older persons who live alone.

Mr. Chair, Jordan brings this practical perspective to these discussions.

Older persons are rights holders, and public policy must give practice effect to that recognition. Existing human rights treaties, the UN Principle for Older Persons, and the Madrid Plan provide a foundation for our work.

Building on that foundation requires us to examine both gaps in protection and the obstacles that prevent existing commitments from being realized.

The distinction matters.

It allows us to identify where safeguard needs to be strengthened and where better implementation can make a difference now.

International cooperation should support this effort through technical expertise and capacity building.

That responds to national priorities and needs.

The purpose?

Running through this work must remain clear: enabling people to exercise their rights as their needs and circumstances change.

I thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative from Jordan. I now give the floor to the delegation of Gambia, followed by Kuwait.

Thank you, Mr. Chairperson. As Argentina concludes its chairmanship, we express our sincere appreciation for its leadership and dedication in guiding the initial stages of this process. We also thank the Secretariat for its support and for the guiding questions prepared to assist our discussions. As a member of the core group, we reaffirm our commitment to developing an internationally legally binding instrument that strengthens the promotion and protection of the human rights of older persons. This second session, therefore, provides an important opportunity for stakeholders to consider the instrument. Our discussions across its different elements should help us to develop a coherent framework that will respond to the experiences of older persons and provide clear guidance for implementation. Mr. Chairperson, older persons contribute to our families, communities, and national development in countless ways. Yet, many continue to encounter discrimination, poverty, violence, neglect, and barriers to essential services. Too often, decisions affecting their lives are taken without their involvement. The future instrument should address these realities while recognizing that older persons are not a homogeneous group. Older women, persons with disabilities, those living in rural communities, and those facing poverty may experience particular barriers that require careful attention. Our work, therefore, on the preamble, definitions, general principles, and obligations, as well as the catalogue of rights, should be guided by the dignity, equality, and agency of older persons. We should build on existing human rights guarantees and address the gaps that leave older persons without effective protection. Likewise, we attach particular importance to meaningful participation. Older persons and their representative organizations must have a substantive voice throughout the process and in the development, implementation, and review of measures affecting their rights, and this requires accessible information as well as opportunities for participation. Mr. Chairperson, we recognize the efforts undertaken by Member States and regional bodies, like the African Union, to advance the human rights of older persons. These achievements and the lessons drawn from the implementation should provide a valuable foundation for this process. We call on Member States, therefore, to build on these experiences, bridge differences, and work towards a legally binding instrument that will address the gaps in protection and safeguard the rights of older persons everywhere. The meaningful participation of older persons themselves must guide our work. Let us use this session in advance towards an instrument that builds on progress already made and translate our shared commitment into meaningful protection. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Gambia, for your statement, for your support, for your continued engagement in the core group. We know of your commitment. commitment and your work within your regional group, so we congratulate you on all your work too. I now give the floor to the delegation of Kuwait, to be followed by the Philippines.

Thank you, Chairman. The State of Kuwait would like to express its appreciation for the praiseworthy efforts undertaken during the preparation of the work for this second session. We very much appreciate the topics put forward in order to guide us in our discussions, and I very much hope that these discussions will lead to an international legally binding instrument and a strengthening of capacities, as well as measures taken to overcome gaps. Demographic changes require adaptation so that we can meet challenges. And the State of Kuwait, in this respect, reaffirms the importance that this instrument be based on an approach which is based on international standards and human rights standards, whilst at the same time meeting the differentiated needs of older persons. As regards the topics put forward, Kuwait suggests that the preamble recall the legal foundation, which would contribute to strengthening a human rights-based approach and would also strengthen measures to combat discrimination and to strengthen equality and equity. It is important to adopt legal, clear-cut and specific terminology, which does not give rise to any disputes. We must recognize that older persons must participate in any measures taken related to their lives. On the section now related to general commitments, it is vital to adopt a clear approach. We must recall that rights need to be considered throughout the process. There needs to be an opportunity for older persons to take part in decision-making. And this applies to measures which are easy to implement. Kuwait also recalls the obligation to adopt an objective approach to combat neglect and marginalization. and also access to healthcare, the justice system, by taking measures to adapt to technological changes and artificial intelligence. The state of Kuwait nationally ensures that it adapts national measures to provide healthcare services and meet the needs of older persons. We also work towards implementing strategies in cooperation with ESCWA and other UN bodies. It is essential to take measures which are based on clear data. Kuwait recalls the need to take efficient measures, which draws lessons from previous practices. It is important to conduct follow-up so as to assess accountability measures, and it is important to submit reports so as to assess the situation. By way of conclusion, Kuwait restates its resolve to provide its full support to the efforts undertaken at the present time, and we very much hope that the negotiations will be based on consensus. This will lead to a robust instrument which defines clear-cut commitments and will attach importance to national experiences. I thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the Philippines, followed by the Russian Federation.

Thank you, Excellency. The Philippines expresses its appreciation to you and your team for steering our work. The urgency of our task cannot be overstated. As global demographic shifts accelerate, the human rights risks facing older persons and the corresponding responsibilities of duty bearers expand. As we enter substantive discussions in this second session of the IGWG, we reaffirm our commitment to an ambitious, forward-looking instrument that delivers genuine added value. In this regard, we highlight the following key considerations. First, the LBI must build upon existing international human rights treaties, strengthening and clarifying established protections without diminishing them. Second, older persons must be recognized as rights holders and valued actors in society, guaranteeing their dignity, agency, autonomy, and independence. Third, the LBI must be anchored in the principles of equality and non-discrimination in all spheres of life, including in the world of work. Age-based discrimination must be explicitly prohibited, and access to essential services must be guaranteed. In this regard, a life course approach is essential to address disadvantages that accumulate and intensify with age. Social protection must also extend to older persons in the informal economy, including the self-employed who may fall outside formal pension and social protection systems. Fourth, the LBI must guarantee holistic care services. including by recognizing the right to humane, compassionate, dignified, and timely health and long-term care. Equally important is recognizing that the dignity of those receiving care is closely linked to the rights and welfare of those providing it, particularly migrant care workers. Fifth, the instrument must acknowledge the wide diversity of older persons and address the intersecting forms of discrimination and vulnerability that compound throughout the life cycle, whether based on disability, gender, economic status, migration status, and other factors. Vulnerability must not, however, be presumed as inherent. Sixth, the LBI must be future-proofed. establishing safeguards against human rights risks linked to climate change, environmental degradation, and rapid technological advancements, including artificial intelligence. Finally, an inclusive process is indispensable to a credible outcome. We support the meaningful participation of all persons, their representative organizations, civil society, and national human rights institutions, particularly from the Global South, while respecting the intergovernmental nature of these negotiations. Our shared objective must be an instrument that enables all persons to age with dignity, independence, security, and the full enjoyment of their human rights. The Philippines is ready to contribute constructively to achieve this goal. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative from the Philippines, and I thank also your delegation here in Geneva for your constructive work as part of the core group. And I now give the floor to Mr. Denis Gulyaev, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, from the Russian Federation, by video message.

Ladies and gentlemen, Socio-economic development of the Russian Federation is supported with the gradual aging of the population, the demographic situation at the present time, and the forecasts for its development require us to set new objectives and goals in economic and social terms. Guaranteeing the needs of older citizens and support their quality of life is an essential task. In this respect, intergovernmental negotiations tasked with a international legally binding instrument is of paramount importance. The structure of such an international legally binding instrument in the future, we believe, should include in its text provisions on strengthening the value of intergenerational family and the respect between past generations, the fight against stereotypes when it comes to aging, or indeed violence and discrimination against older persons. It is also vital to guarantee access, to provide access to healthcare in the home and to have new methods for diagnosis and treatment. to ensure an ageing person who is ageing in good health. It's important also to provide social protection and healthcare services without forgetting a healthy lifestyle throughout one's life. Another key area is to provide the conducive conditions for the full potential of citizens, older citizens, and the broadening of their participation in society by creating conducive conditions when it comes to leisure and rest activities, participation of various types, useful activities within society, without forgetting physical exercise, sport, participation in classes and training courses within third age universities, also socio-cultural programs, including conferences or types of visits, for example, visits to museums and theatres. We also have the development of tourism and support to volunteer activities. It would be important also to assess older persons with disabilities to ensure their technical reintegration into society. Strengthening the financial aspect. is also essential. I'm thinking about pensions, social protection measures, employment, and wages. There's a need to ensure transport shopping centres, medical centres, leisure and sport, and in this document, we would like to include the training of older persons in using modern IT resources and also digital resources to ensure their access to services, but also to guarantee access, safety from different types of scams, financial scams. I wish you a fruitful session and thank you for your attention.

I thank the delegation of the Russian Federation, and I recognize the distinguished delegation of Peru.

Chair,

Peru welcomes the holding of this second session and reaffirms its commitment to actively and constructively participate in drafting a legally binding international instrument that effectively strengthens protection for the human rights of older persons. For Peru, this process needs to start from recognizing older persons as fully-fledged rights holders with their own autonomy and preferences. And we want to ensure their significant participation in decisions that affect them. In the case of Peru, where we have a broad, diverse geographical territory and linguistic characteristics, and we believe that it's essential that this instrument reflects the different realities in which people can age. Our intersecting strategy up to 2030 reflects this, the need for healthy aging, social participation, political participation. Chair, this second session will allow us to make headway in achieving general consensus and having clearer ideas of the content for the future instrument. For Peru, it will be priority to look at the right to care, protection in the face of abuse, negligence or abandonment, equality, non-discrimination, and effective participation of older persons. We also believe it's important to take advantage of the zero draft and bearing in mind of the Inter-American experience, and ensure that this instrument can identify any normative gaps that particularly impact older persons, as well as to try to ensure a better application of existing standards to the different realities of ageing. Finally, the future instrument should have effective instruments for implementation and follow-up that, in addition to promoting the adherence to its provisions, will facilitate international cooperation, technical assistance and exchange of good practices. In this framework, Peru will continue to contribute positively to the next stages of the process. I thank you, Chair.

I thank the representative from Peru, and I now give the floor to the delegation of Austria.

Mr. Chair, Austria aligns with the statement made by the EU. We want to thank you, the core group, and OHCHR for convening this session. We welcome concrete work on an international legally binding instrument with all the persons actively shaping the process. Demographic change is unfolding alongside rapid technological, environmental, and societal transformation, while legal protection struggles to keep pace. New systems create opportunities, but also barriers when older persons' will, preferences, and needs are overlooked. These challenges must not reinforce stereotypes. The responsibility cannot rest solely on individuals to adapt. Our institutions, societies and legal frameworks must adapt too. Austria therefore supports the dedicated forward-looking Convention. As the OHCHR's 2021 analytical update highlighted, international human rights protection remains fragmented and inconsistent. We see the Convention as a beacon for all the person's rights, linking existing safeguards with a shared framework. It should establish a common floor, not a ceiling. Greater visibility, a stronger voice for legal certainty, closing existing protection gaps while helping prevent new ones. This week, we will see the preamble as a table of contents, definitions as the doorway to protection, state obligations as the bridge from rights on paper to everyday life, the catalog of rights as interconnected rooms of a house, and monitoring as the building inspection, checking whether the structure works in practice. All must work together. Older persons are right holders and active contributors, not merely recipients of support. Equality and non-discrimination, including structural ageism and discrimination intersecting with gender, disability, and other grounds, must be central alongside autonomy, self-determination, and meaningful participation. Social isolation and loneliness show how structural barriers can undermine the enjoyment of human rights. We encourage concrete normative proposals, building on the work of the OHVGR, the independent experts, and OHCHR. All the persons, their organizations, and national human rights institutions must be meaningfully involved. We need a transparent roadmap, timely documentation, and written inputs. Austria has engaged since the New York process began. Our 2018 Vienna conference addressed robotics, automation, and digitalization, producing the Vienna Declaration. In 2023, we examined protection gaps, age discrimination, and digital challenges. We chose these themes because we recognized early on that they would shape future challenges. Continuing this approach, Austria will host the International Conference on Loneliness and Human Rights of Older Persons in Vienna from 10 to 12 February 2027. We do this in cooperation with WHO and OHCHR. It will connect responses to loneliness and social isolation with intercessional dialogue on the future convention. We invite all delegations here in the room and stakeholders to participate. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you very much, Austria, and thank you for your commitment to the process. You've been part of the Group of Friends of the Mandate on the Rights of Older Persons for a while, and this is not the first event that Austria organizes on this issue. We really appreciate your commitment and your work. and hopefully many of us could be part of this important event.

And I recognize the distinguished delegation of Spain.

Thank you, Chair. Spain aligns itself with the statement given by the European Union and is thankful to this Intergovernmental Working Group for its efforts, Spain reaffirms once again its commitment to the drafting of an international convention that promotes, protects and guarantees the recognition and realization on an equal footing of all human rights for older persons. We underscore the importance that this legally binding instrument place older persons as true rights holders and active subjects. It identifies ageism as a structural form of discrimination, incorporates the cross-cutting nature of gender perspective and the intersecting focus, including disability, including equal treatment and respect for sexual orientation and gender identity of each person. We welcome the beginning of the substantive work on the draft Convention and trust that this session will allow us to move forward in looking at the core aspects of the text, including the preamble, definitions, states obligations, the catalogue of rights, and the mechanisms for implementation, follow-up, and international cooperation. As the life expectancy increases, it's crucial to move towards a society that lives longer, that places value on the contribution of older persons and guarantees their full participation in public life and decision making by promoting solidarity and intergenerational equity and halt ageism. In Spain, the life expectancy is over 84 years of age, which is some of the highest in the world. Therefore, we believe it's crucial to support, have systems which provide support and care centred in the person, respect, dignity, autonomy, and their will and preferences of the older persons, and promote policies of de-institutionalization. To this end, we recognize the valuable contribution of the International Action Plan of Madrid on Aging and the Decade on Healthy Aging by the United Nations 2021 to 2030. These frameworks have decisively contributed to increasing the visibility of their rights and has laid the foundation to move towards a more effective protection from a human rights point of view. We're grateful to the work done thus far by the working group and positively view the broad inter-regional support, as well as the significant participation from civil society. Their commitment has contributed decisively to keeping up the impetus of this process, as well as its ambition. Spain will continue to work constructively and in a committed fashion to drive forward these negotiations and help draft a convention that guarantees the right to persons to age with health, welfare and dignity. I thank you.

I now give the floor to Qatar, followed by Egypt. Qatar.

Mr.

Chair, at the outset, we would like to thank His Excellency, the Chair of the IGWG and the Secretariat in preparing this session. We would like also to express our gratitude to the Member States for the trust they gave us by giving us the role of facilitator. Mr. Chair, we give due importance to the right of older persons, and we think that their protection is very important as part of our efforts to protect and promote human rights. This is based on our permanent constitution, on the National Vision 2030, and our strategy for national development, as well as the strategy of the Ministry of family as per our legislative frameworks and the institutional frameworks to promote the rights of older persons, in addition to the system of society values based on taking care of the older persons and respecting them. We have taken the necessary legislative measures so that older persons can have access to social services, health care, live in independently and participate effectively in society. This will create an environment that supports their needs, provides protection, and promotes the role of the family in supporting them. The state has also adopted the term "valued elderly" as a term that will translate the status they enjoy in society, in the state, and in family. It is important to pursue efforts in order to promote and protect the rights of older persons and their enjoyment of basic and essential freedoms in a way that preserves their dignity, autonomy, and independence. This session is a very important opportunity to build upon what has been achieved in the first session and to reach a common understanding so that we can achieve an LBI that responds to the challenges faced by older persons and take into account the norms in each country. It is important to continue constructive dialogue with Member States and to work in a coordinated manner in order to achieve the much needed progress. Finally, we reiterate our support to the work of the IGWG, and we look forward to constructive discussions during this session. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation from Egypt, followed by South Africa.

Thank you, Mr. Chair Rapporteur. Egypt's constitution guarantees older persons the full enjoyment of human rights and an adequate pension for a dignified life. Law number 19 of 2024 reinforces their protection and participation in public life.

This commitment is both cultural and legal, in line with our obligation under international human rights law.

Older persons are valued members of our families and society. We continue to advance social protection programs for older persons. Cash support programs now reach around 720,000 beneficiaries, while more than 1.8 million persons aged over 65 have received early

detection and treatment services for geriatric diseases. All the persons hold the full spectrum of rights codified in the core human rights treaties, yet many face protection gaps, uneven implementation, and discrimination, often because of societal prejudice within particular communities rather than deficiencies in international law. While discussion often focus on normative gaps, effective implementation of the existing human rights

architecture can already strengthen older persons' enjoyment of human rights

As reflected in the other 10 recommendations of Decision 14/1 of the Open-ended Working Group on Ageing in 2024, the rights to life, equality, non-discrimination, participation, dignity, access to justice and social support are firmly embedded in the core human rights convention. The priority should not focus only on adopting new commitments, but to translate existing obligations into concrete national policies.

Effective implementation requires national strategies to address the specific barriers older persons face,

action against violence, neglect and age-related stereotypes, and meaningful participation in public life. It also requires stronger data collection and monitoring so that older persons' enjoyment of human rights is visible, measurable, and enforceable.

Given the Human Rights Council's subsidiary status to the General Assembly, we believe any draft instrument must ultimately be submitted to the General Assembly for consideration and adoption, where is this point

during negotiations of resolution 58/13, and we wish to place it on record during this current session.

Until a legally binding instrument is realized, we believe advancing older persons' human rights is a present

obligation, not a future aspiration. implementing existing commitments can deliver tangible improvement in their daily lives.

We remain open, constructive, and cooperative, and we wish this second session productive deliberations and tangible outcome. I wish to end by thanking the delegation of Argentina and the Secretariat for their valuable work and extend our best wishes to the next chairmanship.

Thank you, Mr. Chair Rapporteur.

I thank the distinguished delegate from Egypt, and I now give the floor to South Africa, followed by the GCC.

Thank you, Chair. South Africa welcomes the convening of this second session and commends the progress made in advancing international discussions on strengthening the protection and promotion of the human rights of older persons. South Africa recognizes that older persons are entitled to the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with others. As population age, it is increasingly important to ensure that older persons are recognized as rights holders with dignity, autonomy, and the opportunity to participate meaningfully in society. We therefore support a human rights-based approach that moves beyond viewing aging solely through the lens of care and welfare. We consider the proposed focus on equality before the law, non-discrimination on the basis of age, inclusive participation and protection against violence, abuse, and neglect particularly very important. Further consideration should also be given to access to healthcare, long-term and palliative care, social protection, digital inclusion, and access to justice. These are essential areas in which the rights of older persons must be made meaningful in practice. The instrument should take into account of the diverse experiences of older persons, including older women, persons with disabilities, those living in rural areas. and those who require assistance with daily living. A life course perspective is equally important, recognizing that inequalities accumulated over time can affect a person's enjoyment of rights in older age. We also see merit in further exploring the relationship between individual autonomy, supported decision making, and the role of families and communities. Care should be recognized both as an important component of the rights and well-being of older persons and as a shared societal responsibility. This requires appropriate safeguards against abuse, neglect, support for caregivers, and respect for the will, preferences, and dignity of older persons themselves. At the same time, the development of an effective instrument should respect national and cultural diversity, while remaining firmly grounded in universal human rights standards. Its provisions should clarify states' obligations and support progressive practical implementation taking into account of national circumstances and capacities without undermining the rights being protected. South Africa considers it important that discussions on implementation and monitoring, including reporting arrangements and the participation of older persons, proceed alongside consideration of their substantive rights. The meaningful involvement of older persons and their representative organizations will be essential to ensuring that the instrument responds to their lived realities. Finally, South Africa stands ready to engage constructively in these deliberations. We look forward to working with all delegations towards a comprehensive, balanced and effective legally binding instrument that strengthen the dignity, equality, autonomy and full enjoyment of human rights by older persons. I thank you.

I thank the delegation of South Africa and I give the floor to the Gulf Cooperation Council, followed by Mexico.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I deliver this statement on behalf of the GCC. At the outset, we would like to express our gratitude to the IGWG and the OTHR for their efforts in preparing the current session, and we look forward to pursuing discussions in a constructive and consensual spirit that will lead to achieve the goals of our group and its mandate, we reiterate our support to the efforts leading to adopting an LBI on the rights of older persons based on the importance of promoting international protection and to dealing with the gaps through a balanced and practical approach based on international relevant norms and standards, and benefiting from national experiences and practices, and taking into account the diversity of legal systems and social circumstances and cultural circumstances of the countries. Mr. Chair, we in the GCC look at the older person as per our Islamic and Arab lofty values. They enjoy a very important status in societies, in communities, in families. older persons are not a category that require care and protection. They are right holders and efficient partners in their societies. That's why it's very important to safeguard their dignity, independence, and secure their effective participation in decisions that are of importance to their lives. We reiterate the importance of having this LBI focusing on the principles of equality, non-discrimination based on age, protection from all forms of abuse, neglect, and violations, as well as securing health care, social protection, basic services to older persons, and to facilitate their access to information and technology in a way that reserves their independence and dignity. We reiterate the importance of the role of family, community, and intergenerational solidarity when it comes to supporting and caring for older persons. These are pillars of our societies, and we should respect the will and preferences of older persons. And this complements the state's responsibility when it comes to protecting their rights. And when it comes to the substantive obligations of the LBI, it should be based on clear definitions and concepts that are clearly defined and clearly implementable, while taking into account the variety of legal frameworks, capacities, and national priorities, and to, in such a way, to prevent duplication with existing mechanisms. Finally, we reiterate our readiness to pursue a positive participation and a constructive one in the works of the IGWG in order to reach an LBI that will participate and protecting and promoting the rights of older persons and safeguarding their dignity.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. My.

Thanks to the distinguished delegate of the GCC. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Mexico.

Thank you, Chair Rapporteur. We are grateful to the Chair and the Secretariat for their work. We welcome the core group and the facilitators of the different segments. With the convening of this session, we are continuing to move towards a joint commitment to bridge a legal gap, reaffirming the obligation to respect, protect and guarantee the rights of older persons in all their diversity. The instrument that we are negotiating must transform the way our societies conceive of ageing. Older persons are not a burden, nor mere beneficiaries of help. They are fully-fledged right holders that actively contribute to the cultural, economic, political, social and community life. Acknowledging their full autonomy and legal capacity and guaranteeing their effective participation is a core condition for legitimacy and efficiency. Preventing and combating ageism, promoting the inclusion of older persons, guaranteeing access to digital spheres, decent work, and social protection is crucial. Mexico believes that the creation, strengthening, and transformation of care and support systems with a rights focus and An intersecting focus with gender perspective, age and disability in mind, focused on the dignity of older persons and on the recognition of their contributions to welfare and development of societies, is a core concept to include in a legally binding instrument. To this end, it will be important to consider the existing standards on care and support systems, including the advisory opinion by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights on care, as well as progress made within the ILO, that together call on states to build care and support systems that are cemented in human rights and which have an intersecting perspective on disability, gender, and age. These frameworks bolster the public obligation to move from assistant-based models to models that guarantee autonomy, dignity, and the full participation of all older persons in the social, economic, and political life. We join those countries that believe that the fruit of previous sessions could come together to consolidate a basic text, and we are satisfied with the results of the thematic discussions. Mexico reiterates its commitment to build a robust instrument that recognizes that dignity and rights do not falter with age. Thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. I now recognize Germany.

Followed by Iran.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, for giving me the floor, and thank you for convening the meeting and for getting us into this new discussion again. Germany aligns itself with the statement of the European Union, and we promise to participate actively and constructively in the negotiations leading us to a new human rights instrument. As we pointed out in the previous sessions, to do so, we need the documents in due time. In a federal system, we must involve the regional and local level, which is not possible on such a short notice as the guiding questions this time. We welcome the participation of numerous civil society organizations, national human rights institutions, and representatives of older persons again in this meeting. Their input has been proven so valuable for us. As for general principles, I'd like to point out that the universality of human rights is the main principle that must prevail. Human rights have no age limit, so we must draw on the existing treaties and strengthen their implementation and fill in gaps. No existing norm may be weakened. As a central guiding framework, we should consider the CRPD. A new legally binding instrument may not fall behind the widely agreed standards of this core international convention to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, many of them older persons. Thus, we ask for a provision, a savings clause, corresponding to Article 4 of the CRPD, to ensure that existing obligations may not be weakened or questioned in this new treaty. The principle of intergenerational fairness should be incorporated into the new instrument as a guiding principle. Let me recall the guiding principle of the MIPA Ministerial Declaration from 2002, which states that the purpose of MIPA is to respond to the opportunities and challenges of population aging in the 21st century and to promote the development of a society for all ages. As concluded by the Open-ended Working Group on Ageing, the principle of non-discrimination, especially the explicit ban of age discrimination and ageism in the field of human rights, must be another core principle of the new instrument. We very much appreciate all the input that has been given to look into new forms of discrimination caused, for example, by automated decision-making and new technological innovations. Furthermore, multiple and intersectional discrimination of older persons in all their diversity is often based on a combination of gender and age, or disability and age must be addressed. Germany has a longstanding tradition of ensuring meaningful participation in decision making, and this is also well established in the implementation of MIPA and in the regional In the context of the UNECE, we are right now drawing up a new regional implementation strategy for MEPA with strong participation of CSOs and research organizations. This strategy will be endorsed next year at the ministerial conference in Leipzig, Germany, chaired by the Federal Minister for Senior Citizens, Karin Prien. Regarding the scope, I would like to point out that it is essential that all older persons are covered, and we think it is of utmost importance to start a discussion who falls within the group of older persons. In addition, as pointed out during the last session, we think a comprehensive travail préparatoire will help to interpret the future instrument. And last but not least, and the good things come at the end, I invite you all to the German side event tomorrow, co-sponsored by OHCHR and with the active input from the core group over the lunch break on meaningful participation. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Germany, and we echo your invitation for the side event tomorrow to all delegates here, and wish you all the success on this issue. Thank you for your support, too. I now give the floor to the delegation of Iran, followed by Guatemala.

Thank you, Mr. Chief. The Islamic Republic of Iran appreciates the efforts of the delegation of Argentina in guiding the work of this working group, as well as the valuable support of the Secretariat. We believe that all discussions should be guided by the by a fundamental principle, the dignity and value of human life do not diminish with age. In Iranian culture, older person hold a respected place in families and communities. Their knowledge, experience, and contributions are valuable to society. As we enter the second substantive and move toward developing the elements of a future international instrument, Iran wishes to highlight three priorities. First, national commitment and experience. The rights and well-being of older person are particularly important to Iran. In 2020, we adopted our national documents on older person, establishing a comprehensive policy framework focused and dignity, health, empowerment, social participation, and support for families and caregivers. This national experience reflects our commitment to protecting the rights of older persons and ensuring their meaningful participation in society. Second, effective implementation of rights. We believe that the success of the future instrument should not be measured merely by the number of rights it recognizes, but by its ability to ensure the effective enjoyment in practice. No matter how comprehensive or legal provision may be, they will have limited impact serious obstacle prevents their implementation. In this regard, despite Iran's continued effort to meet the need of older person, unilateral coercive measures contrary to international law, including related financial restrictions and overcompliance, creates serious obstacle to accessing essential medicine, assistive device, rehabilitation equipment, and healthcare services. Particular attention must also be given to older persons in situations of armed conflict and humanitarian emergencies. Displacement, disruption of health care services, limited mobility, and loss of family or community support can place older persons at heightened risk. Their specific needs must be adequately addressed, including through access to essential services and humanitarian assistance in accordance with applicable international law. The future instrument should therefore recognize the importance of international cooperation and address practical barriers to the effective realization of older persons' rights. And third, a comprehensive balance and broadly acceptable instrument. As negotiations move forward, we should seek a text that address existing protection gap while taking into account the legitimate concern and different national circumstances of member state. The future instrument should build upon existing international human rights standards, avoid unnecessary duplication, and establish clear and realistic obligation that can be effectively implemented. An inclusive negotiation process based on mutual respect and consideration of different respective will help us achieve an instrument capable of gaining broad support. Mr. Chair, Iran stand ready to engage constructively in the substantive discussions and to contribute concrete textual proposal toward a practical and effective international instrument. Thank you.

Thank you. I remind delegations that the time limit is three minutes.

And I give the floor to the distinguished delegate from Guatemala, to be followed by Turkey.

Thank you, sir. We would like to thank you, the rapporteurship and the working team, for organizing and convening this session. Guatemala is grateful for the opportunity to continue participating in efforts to move towards strengthening the protection of the human rights of older persons. We believe that the process which brings us together must set out protection during aging, and it must address barriers that make the exercise of rights already recognized difficult. We firmly believe that a legally binding instrument must be balanced and realistic. It must reflect not only clear provisions which are consistent with international human rights law, but these must also be applicable in various national contexts. Chairman, protection measures. which we include in the legally binding instrument, must strengthen autonomy and respect legal capacity. From a cultural and linguistic standpoint of older persons, this consideration is consistent with the duty to protect older persons set forth in Article 51 of the Political Constitution of the Republic of Guatemala. For my country, there is a need to consider the situations of older women, indigenous persons, migrants, and those living with a disability. And we must look at these in light of the territorial differences, as well as language and socioeconomic differences, including the reality of rural areas. Mindful of the fact that in previous discussions, the voices of older persons have not been heard, we believe it important that in this process, older persons must guide the discussions. The aim is to reflect their needs, particularly within the context in terms of aging in Latin America has been expedited. Lastly, we restate our willingness, sir, to participate proactively in these discussions with the vital purpose of ensuring that the instrument bolsters the protection of dignity, autonomy, and the exercise of human rights throughout one's life. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much indeed to the distinguished delegate of Guatemala for the support.

Greece.

Thank you, Chair.

At the outset, the delegation of Turkey would like to thank the Chair Rapporteur, the core group, and all stakeholders for their continued efforts in advancing the work of this working group. Turkey welcomes the constructive discussions held during the first session, which provided a valuable foundation for our ongoing efforts towards a legally binding international instrument on the human rights of older persons. As we move towards more substantial deliberations, we believe it is important to build upon the areas of convergence identified during the first session, while carefully addressing the issues requiring further consideration. In this regard, Turkey reiterates that the future instrument should be firmly grounded in the existing international human rights framework. Its principal added value should lie in clarifying the application of universally recognized human rights in older age and addressing persistent protection and implementation gaps, rather than creating a separate category of rights. Human dignity, equality, and non-discrimination, autonomy, independence, and meaningful participation should remain central to this process. Türkiye considers that the discussions on the preamble, definitions, state obligations, substantive rights, and monitoring arrangements should contribute to developing a coherent, legally precise, and practically implementable instrument. Particular attention should be given to ensuring consistency with existing international human rights obligations, avoiding unnecessary duplication, and allowing sufficient flexibility to accommodate different national legal systems and circumstances. We also attach importance to an inclusive and transparent negotiation process, supported by the timely circulation of relevant documents and meaningful participation of older persons and their representative organizations.

We remain committed to engaging constructively in thematic.

Discussions and contributing to a balanced and effective international framework that strengthens the protection and promotion of the human rights of all persons.

I thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate from Türkiye, and I give the floor now to the delegation of Greece, followed by India.

Greece aligns itself with the statement of the European Union and wishes to add a few remarks in its national capacity. We reiterate our full support to this negotiating process, and we warmly welcome the broad participation of civil society, international human rights institutions. Our premise is that the instrument should adopt a robust, rights-based approach and take its place within the family of core UN human rights treaties, sharing their premises and architecture. On many issues, the CRPD offers an important source of inspiration. The preamble should anchor the instrument in the existing human rights on a footing of complementarity and non-regression, and address ageism as a structural phenomenon, the life course perspective, and multiple and intersecting discrimination. On definitions, we favor a functional rather than chronological definition of older persons, which better reflects differing national realities. On obligations, states must respect, protect, and fulfill the rights of older persons and remain accountable. Care is a human rights matter for older persons, entailing entitlements vis-à-vis the state. On the catalogue of rights, an explicit prohibition of age discrimination would close one of the most significant gaps. Particular attention is due to autonomy and legal capacity, independent living, freedom from violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation in all settings, access to justice and effective remedies, long-term care, economic security, and digital inclusion alongside the continued availability of non-digital services. On monitoring, a dedicated treaty body would potentially be our point of departure, though we remain open to other solutions given the liquidity crisis facing the treaty body system. At the national level, the CRPD offers a sound model combining a coordination mechanism with an independent framework in which national human rights institutions and independent authorities play a central role. Looking ahead, a clear roadmap for the next stages with opportunities and deadlines for written submissions and timely circulation of inputs would be most welcome. Greece stands ready to engage constructively in this and the following stages of our negotiations. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the delegation of Greece, and I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate from India.

Thank you, Chair. At the outset, India thanks you for your leadership and expresses its appreciation to the OHCHR Secretariat for your support in advancing this important process. India welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the elaboration of an international legally binding instrument on the promotion and the protection of the human rights of older persons. For India, the question of ageing is fundamentally a question of human dignity, social justice, intergenerational solidarity, and development. Older persons are not merely recipients of care or social assistance; they are right holders, contributors to their families and communities, repositories of knowledge and experience, and active participants in the social, economic, cultural, and public life. Our approach must recognize their continuing contribution to society while addressing the barriers that prevent them from enjoying their rights fully and equally. Behind every discussion of aging are people whose lives, experiences, and contributions have shaped their families and societies, and whose aspirations, choices, and dignity deserve recognition at every stage of life. The measure of our efforts must ultimately be whether older persons can live free from discrimination and abuse, maintain their autonomy, participate meaningfully in their communities, and access the support they need to live with dignity. India's approach to safeguarding and protecting the human rights of older persons is informed by its civilizational ethos, rooted in a long-standing cultural emphasis on respect for elders. Intergenerational solidarity, care within families and communities, and the transmission of knowledge and experience across generations. Across India's diverse traditions, the dignity of older persons has been associated with respect, responsibility, and the recognition of their continuing place in family and social life. India believes that this civilizational values can enrich the contemporary international human rights framework, provided that respect and care are translated into effective protections, meaningful participation, and the fulfillment of rights. Our task is to draw upon this enduring ethical and cultural foundations while building modern institutions, social protection systems, and care services that enable every older person to live with dignity, autonomy, and security. Chair, India believes that the proposed instrument should provide a comprehensive and coherent framework for the promotion and protection of the human rights of older persons. It should address discrimination, neglect, abuse, exploitation, and barriers to participation, while giving due attention to civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. It should strengthen older persons' access to justice, health care, social security, an adequate standard of living, accessible housing, decent work, education, digital inclusion, care and support services, and opportunities to participate in decisions affecting their lives. The instrument should also recognize that the enjoyment of rights requires more than their formal recognition in law. It depends on the availability, accessibility, affordability and quality of the institutions, services, infrastructure and support systems through which those rights become meaningful in everyday life. The human rights of older persons must therefore be addressed as an integral part of the inclusive and sustainable development. India, in this regard, considers it important to recognize the rights to participate in and contribute and benefit from development. Policies and programs should take into account their capacities, aspirations, contributions and should enable them to remain socially connected, economically active where they choose, and enabled to exercise autonomy in their lives. At the same time, the instrument should also take into account the diverse socio-economic, demographic, and institutional circumstances of the Member States. It should distinguish obligations requiring immediate implementation, including non-discrimination and equal protection. States should take deliberate and effective steps using the maximum of their available resources. India also emphasizes the importance of families, communities, and caregivers in supporting older persons. However, family support must become a precondition for the enjoyment of these rights. The instrument should encourage the development of quality residential, home-based, community-based care and support services. Chair, India believes that effective implementation requires predictable and sustainable financing. In this context, we propose consideration of a global fund for dignified aging and care systems under the proposed convention. The fund could also support states, particularly developing countries, in strengthening social protection, primary and long-term care, accessible infrastructure, workforce development, digital inclusion, and other nationally identified priorities related to older persons. For the Fund to make a meaningful contribution, its financing should be predictable, sustainable, and equitable. India therefore proposes that excess contribution by State Parties constitutes its principal source of predictable financing. India also recognizes the growing importance of international cooperation in the mobility of care workers. Chair, I am exceeding the timeline, but we have a lot to contribute. So we would actually like to propose a draft model convention on the promotion and protection of the human rights of older persons. We have shared our draft text with the Secretariat, and we would request the Secretariat to also share it with the Member States after the stakeholder consultations internally, including the academia, think tank, industry bodies, and all other sectors. We have proposed keeping into account the Member States, including Global South and all Member States of the UN, we would request all of you to have a look at the model text in the spirit of openness and constructive engagement. We want to contribute to the collective deliberations by putting forward these practical proposals. We also have shared one explanatory note, if that could be shared. And we also want to be a part of the core group as a co-facilitator for the drafting committee of the ILBI. I understand as of now We do have two co-facilitators, but we would like to – this is India’s proposal that we would like to participate more actively, and that is our request to allow the participation in a manner which is more formalized as a core group as co-facilitator. And we would love to listen from the member states their inputs on the current model text that we have shared. Thank you.

Thank you, India. I now give the floor to Sweden, followed by Cuba.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Dear Excellencies, colleagues, Sweden aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union, and we would like to add the following remarks in a national capacity. Sweden welcomes the continued progress of this Working Group. Since the first substantive session in July, we have been encouraged by the broad engagement and the constructive spirit that characterized those discussions. Our position remains unchanged: we are committed to strengthening older persons’ enjoyment of their human rights, and to ensuring that this process delivers meaningful, tangible results. As this second session moves into more substantive territory, covering elements of the preamble, definitions, State obligations, the catalogue of rights, and the questions of implementation and monitoring, we would like to reiterate three points that we believe should continue to guide our work. First, any standards developed under this process must remain firmly grounded in and fully aligned with existing international human rights law, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We have heard broad agreement on this point, and we encourage the group to build on it. The task before us is not to reinvent established norms, but to ensure that they are applied effectively and that genuine protection gaps are addressed. Duplication or fragmentation would not serve older persons well, and the implementation gaps identified back in July should remain our primary focus. Second, Sweden values the approach this working group has taken. The emphasis on building on what already exists, the work of the Open and Working Group of Aging, the independent experts, the treaty bodies, and regional human rights mechanisms reflects exactly the kind of careful process most likely to produce a strong outcome. During these days, and as we engage in these thematic discussions ahead, Guiding principles such as dignity, autonomy, participation and non-discrimination must remain at the core of our deliberations. Third, the strength of any instrument will depend on the genuine involvement of older persons and civil society. Sweden reaffirms its commitment to the principle "Nothing about us without us". We also echo the calls made in July for timely document circulation, transparent working methods and clear opportunities for input from all stakeholders. At the national level, Sweden continues to advance reforms that strengthen security, participation, and independence for older persons. This includes continued investment in the Elderly Care Initiative to reinforce knowledge within municipality-funded healthcare and elderly care, and reinforced access to medical expertise. It also includes a new Social Services Act with a preventive and knowledge-based orientation, language proficiency requirements for staff in elderly care, and a protected professional title for nursing assistants. We also maintain regular dialogue with older persons' representative organisations through the Government's Committee for Pensioners. Mr. Chair, Sweden looks forward to engaging constructively in all the discussion on this session. Our common goal must be concrete improvement in the lives, dignity, and full enjoyment of human rights of older persons everywhere. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegate from Sweden.

I now call upon the distinguished delegate of Cuba, to be followed by Portugal and Brazil.

Thank you very much, Chairman. Cuba supports the mandate of the Intergovernmental Working Group, and at its first session, our delegation actively participated and put forward a number of specific proposals. We are grateful for the fact that in the four thematic discussions of the work programme, that several of our proposals have been included. We are also grateful for the clarification that in those discussions, other elements of the international instrument will be addressed with the aim of looking at the scope and general principles, which we believe require an in-depth discussion because of their relevance and importance. The initial stage of the negotiating process is decisive to identify the points of convergence amongst Member States, which may feed into the first draft of the text. Cuba restates its position to move forward in the discussions and negotiations as quickly as possible, and always taking into account the legitimate concerns of all delegations. Chairman, at the close of 2025, 26.6% of Cubans were 60 years of age or over. This places the country with the highest percentage of aging persons in Latin America and the Caribbean, Cuba has responded to the aging of its population by strengthening a rights approach and social protection. The Constitution of the Republic in 2017 and successive legislation, including the Family Code, recognize dignity, autonomy, and strengthened protection of adult older persons. This has been reflected in comprehensive healthcare services, specialized services, nursing home support for carers, and shared duties amongst the state, families, and society. However, these efforts are hampered because of the impact of the financial, economic, commercial blockade imposed by the United States. We've seen an upsurge of this in 2026 with a brutal energy shutdown and secondary side effects. Fuel and prolonged electrical cuts affect hospitals, access to water, transport, and the continuity of medical treatment. Its consequences have a particularly harsh impact on older persons, in particular those with chronic diseases, reduced mobility, or long-term care needs. Therefore, having a clear obligation of States so as not to impose unilateral coercive measures imposed against other States which affect the fulfilment of the purpose and objectives of the future international legally binding instrument is more relevant than ever. The Cuban delegation will participate with specific proposals and in a constructive spirit. in the work of the second session of the IGWG. Thank you very much, sir.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Cuba, and I now give the floor to Portugal, to be followed by Brazil and Ghana.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Portugal aligns itself with the statement on behalf of the EU, and we welcome the convening of this second session. We thank you, your team, and the members of the core group, as well as the Secretariat, for the organization of the session, and reaffirm our strong support for the Working Group's mandate. At the national level, Portugal adopted its statute of older persons earlier this year, strengthening the legal framework for dignity, autonomy and participation. It expressly recognizes older persons' freedom to decide where they wish to live, the care they receive, and their involvement in social, political and cultural life. It also provides for protection from violence, discrimination and neglect, alongside access to social protection, adequate housing and accessible services. To support these objectives in practice, we launched projects integrating home-based social support and health care that aim to enable older persons to remain in their homes and communities through coordinated support adapted to their circumstances. Together, these measures reflect our national commitment to ensure that care and support uphold older persons' choices, independence, and full participation in society, a commitment we hope translates to the LBI and that will guide our intervention on the more substantive discussions during this week. Building on the discussions held in July and the written contributions submitted, we hope that the session will help consolidate common ground on the future instrument and provide a clearer direction for the work ahead. At the same time, we reiterate that the full, meaningful and effective participation of older persons and their representative organizations must guide this process. Their experiences and priorities are essential to ensure that the instrument responds to the barriers faced by older persons in all their diversity. Our shared objective should be a comprehensive and effective instrument, firmly grounded in international human rights law, that strengthens existing standards and addresses the protection gaps faced by older persons. Their dignity, autonomy, and equal enjoyment of all human rights must remain at the center of our efforts. Mr. Chair, Portugal stands ready to work with you, all the delegations, the co-facilitators, and stakeholders to advance this mandate. We hope this week will consolidate our work and towards an instrument that makes a tangible difference to older persons' enjoyment of all human rights. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative from Portugal. And I now give the floor to the delegation of Brazil, followed by Ghana and Kenya.

Distinguished authorities, representatives of States, international organizations, civil society organizations, and other persons present, it's our honor to participate in the second session of this working group. The discussion goes beyond population aging. It's concerned the choice we make as international community to ensure that everyone can exercise their rights participation in public life, and age with dignity. The protection of human rights must extend to all people, especially those who are most vulnerable to inequalities and to social, economic, environmental, and demographic change, ensuring the rights of older persons a responsibility that cannot be postponed. From Brazil, The development of legally binding international instruments represent an opportunity to restrain states' commitments, address participation gaps, and reaffirm that age can never justify discrimination, invisibility, or restriction of the exercise of rights. Older persons are rights holders and active participants in shaping our societies. Brazil's experience demonstrates that the recognition of the rights requires institutions, policies and participation mechanisms capable of turning principles into reality. The federal constitution of 1988, the organic law on social assistance, the national policy for older persons, the institute of older persons, and the national health policy for older persons are all part of this journey. Effective policies also require the participation of the older person themselves. In 2025, Brazil held its 60th National Conference of Rights of the Older Person, preceded by municipal and state-level states, strengthening social participation in the quality of developing of proposals. This experience reaffirms the importance of ensuring the broad and effective participation of older persons, civil society, and other relevant actors in developing of this instrument, including as a means of addressing structural ageism. In this process, we consider it essential that the instrument recognizes in beauty the advances of the Inter-American Convention on Protecting the Human Rights of the Elder Person, a regional benchmark for extending legal protection and promotion of these rights. An intersectional perspective is also essential to recognize the diversity of older persons' experience and to understand that aging is shaped by social, economic, cultural, territorial, historical, and political factors. The treaty must guarantee the rights to age to everyone without discrimination. Care must respect the autonomy, will, and preference of the older person with access to quality support services. Responsibility must be shared among the state, families, community, and societies without placing the burden exclusively on family or restricting the freedom of choice of those receiving care. Brazil is committed to developing an instrument that strengthens states' obligations, combats discrimination, big international commitments closer to the life realities of other persons. Population and the recovery is integrated and sustained in public policy that coordinate health, social protection, housing, transportation, stability, and care. Valid those who came before us building a fair society for future generations. May this session be guided by dialogue, cooperation, and willingness to build consensus commensurate with the scale of this challenge. Brazil stands ready to contribute to this collective effort. Thank you.

Thank you. For us, it's also an honor to have you, Secretary General of the Rights of Older Persons of Brazil. Thank you very much for taking part once again in our working group.

The floor to the distinguished delegation of Ghana, followed by Kenya and China.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Ghana welcomes this second session and reaffirms its support for developing a legally binding international instrument on the human rights of older persons. Ghana's commitment to the rights and well-being of older persons is reflected in our national ageing policy and ongoing efforts to strengthen social protection, health care, care systems, and the participation of older persons. For Ghana and many African countries, population ageing is occurring alongside poverty, informal employment, limited pension coverage, changing family dynamics, and constrained health system and fiscal capacities. Yet Africa's demographic transition also offers opportunities to strengthen intergenerational solidarity, harness the contributions of older persons, and build systems that support longer, healthier, and more productive lives. The future instrument must therefore establish universal human rights standards while enabling practical implementation within diverse national contexts. Mr. Chair, Ghana wishes to emphasize three priorities as negotiations advance. First, the instrument should promote a rights-based approach to healthy longevity by encouraging States to integrate older persons' rights into national health, social protection, and development policies. This should include preventing age discrimination, strengthening preventive primary health care, promoting healthy aging, and ensuring older persons' meaningful participation in decisions affecting their lives. Second, it should promote a rights-based continuum of care and support through accessible, affordable, and person-centered services across family, home, community, and formal care settings. This requires appropriate standards for care providers, safeguards against abuse, neglect, and exploitation, effective complaint mechanisms, and recognition and support for family and informal caregivers, while protecting older persons' autonomy and dignity. Third, implementation must be backed by sustainable financing and international cooperation. Developing countries, in particular, will require technical assistance, capacity building, and appropriate financial support to translate commitments into measurable improvements in older persons' lives. Mr. Chair, we must ensure that longer lives are matched by stronger rights, quality health care, social protection, and opportunities to live with dignity, security, and purpose. Age must never be a basis for diminished rights, diminished dignity, or diminished opportunity. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate from Ghana, and I give the floor now to the delegation of Kenya, followed by China.

Mr. Chairperson, thank you. Kenya welcomes the convening of the second session of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Human Rights of Older Persons and expresses its appreciation to the Secretariat and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for their preparations. Kenya reiterates its support for the elaboration of a comprehensive international legally binding instrument on the human rights of older persons. We reaffirm the position outlined in our written submissions of 16 April 2026 and those submitted for the present session, and look forward to further elaborating on this during the discussions under agenda item 4. At the national level, Mr. Chairperson, Article 7 of the Constitution of Kenya provides for the rights of older persons, including dignity, participation in society, protection from abuse, and access to appropriate care and assistance. These protections are further complemented by the Social Protection Act of 2025, which recognizes older persons as individuals aged 60 years and above. In this regard, Mr. Chairperson, Kenya emphasizes the importance of a right-based approach that recognizes older persons as right holders, safeguards their dignity, and addresses the particular vulnerabilities of older women and older persons with disability. Kenya further underscores the clear definitions, including recognition of older persons as individuals aged 60 years and above, without prejudice to lower national thresholds, and comprehensive protection against age-based discrimination, including indirect discrimination and digital exclusion. Equally important are clearly defined state obligations, encompassing immediate and progressive measures, safeguards against retrogression, and a comprehensive catalogue of rights addressing long-term care, legal capacity, and supported decision-making, protection from abuse and harmful cultural practices, digital rights, and social protection in old age. Kenya also emphasizes the importance of effective implementation and monitoring mechanisms, including a dedicated committee. with periodic reporting, individual communications and inquiry procedures, working in coordination with existing international and regional human rights mechanisms, including the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights. Mr. Chair, in this regard, Kenya records the entry into force in 2024 of the African Union Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons, to which Kenya is a State party. International cooperation should complement rather than replace the primary responsibility of States. Finally, Mr. Chair, Kenya underscores the importance of ensuring the meaningful participation of older persons and their representative organizations throughout the negotiation process, so that their experiences and perspectives inform the development of the instrument. Kenya remains committed to engaging constructively with all delegations toward a comprehensive, legally binding instrument that strengthens the protection and enjoyment of human rights by older persons. I thank you, Mr. Chairperson.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the delegation of China, followed by Algeria and Japan.

Thank you, Chair. The Chinese delegation thanks the Working Group and the Secretariat for preparing the session. China has the world's largest population of older persons and was among the first countries to enact dedicated legislation protecting their rights and interests. China attaches great importance to safeguarding their rights by elevating its active responses to the level of a national strategy. China has continued to improve the security of basic livelihood, medical care, and elderly care services. The diverse and multi-tiered needs of older persons are being better met. better met, and their sense of fulfillment, happiness, and security continues to grow. China promotes a positive view of aging and supports the social participation of older persons. It has expanded educational, cultural, and sports services for them, enriching their intellectual and cultural lives. China has strengthened support for their volunteering, employment, and entrepreneurship. China has widened opportunities for the social participation of the older persons. China is promoting age-friendly and accessible environment, and an age-friendly society, enabling older persons to enjoy preferential policies on an equal basis in their places of habitual residence, In emergencies, they and other groups receive special and priority protection. China promotes its tradition of filial piety and respect for older persons. China has strengthened judicial safeguards for their rights and interests. China punishes in accordance with the law violations of these rights and conducts extensive legal awareness activities relating to the older persons and continues to improve their access to legal aid. China stands ready for constructive dialogue. We wish to propose three proposals. First, promote an active aging perspective. We should View an aging society, older persons and a later life in a positive light and embed this perspective throughout the legislative process. Second, uphold a pluralistic and collaborative governance. Protecting older persons is a shared responsibility over the society as a whole. Governments, markets, society, and families should work together to build an age-friendly society. Third, uphold pragmatism and adaptability. The legal instrument to be drafted should reflect the development levels and basic national conditions of all countries. Service and support systems, together with the legal frameworks protecting older persons, should be developed progressively and in line with each country's realities. Thank you, sir.

I thank the distinguished representative from China. I now give the floor to the delegation of Algeria, followed by Japan and Nepal.

Mr. Chair, Algeria delegation wishes to welcome the holding of this second session of the working group and thanks you for assuming the chair and guiding our deliberations today. As the international community continues to reflect on the protection of older persons, their protection and promotion constitute an essential priority. Our elders are the guardians of our collective memory, our values, and our social cohesion, ensuring them a dignified active life, protected from all forms of vulnerability, requires sustained commitment grounded in intergenerational solidarity and public action. Mr. Chair, as we begin our work, my delegation wishes to emphasize the importance of a clear and coherent methodology that fosters constructive exchanges and delivers real added value to our discussions. In this regard, We welcome the Chair's intention to issue a call for input in November 2026. In this perspective, it might have been useful to consider holding the present session in light of the written contributions gathered, so as to allow our discussions to draw upon more in-depth analysis and better target the issues requiring corrective examination. Regarding the systems of the future instrument, Algeria wishes to highlight three orientations. First, the future instrument must strictly build upon existing international human rights law without weakening or duplicating current standards. Its role should be to clarify the application of universal rights to the specific context on aging and to address the identified implementation gaps. Second, this framework must pay particular attention to contemporary challenges absent from older instruments. This includes addressing digital exclusion and ensuring an ethics of artificial intelligence that does not marginalize our elders or hinder their access to essential services. Third, the future instrument must adapt in a realistic manner to national specificities, varying levels of socioeconomic development. and as well as the institutional capacities and financial constant of states. Algeria will continue to engage constructively in this debate to build a consensual and implementable instrument.

I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Japan, followed by Nepal, and the League of Arab States.

Thank you.

Japan appreciates Argentina, the core group, and OHCHR for convening this meeting. As a country, Japan faces the challenge of aging society, and it has a large stake in protecting and promoting the rights of older persons. In this context, Mr. Chair, Japan takes the position that the human rights of all people, including older persons, are universal values and should be guaranteed throughout their lives. Therefore, we hope that universality of human rights form the basis of discussion of Intergovernmental Working Group, and we also hope that this discussion will contribute to protecting the rights and dignity of older persons. Apart from the contents of discussion, Japan expressed regrets that the meeting documents were not shared well in advance. Going forward, Japan requests the Core Group to share documents in advance so that we can better prepare for discussion. Japan is looking forward to constructively participating in the discussion.

Thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to Nepal, followed by League of Arab States and the Council of Europe.

Mr. Chair, at the outset, allow me to begin by thanking Mr. Chair Rapporteur for the leadership in facilitating this important process. We also thank the Secretariat for the support provided, including the preparations of the guiding question. We share the concern that they could have been shared earlier so that it would allow delegations more time to consult and engage fully. Nepal approaches this process with a firm commitment to the protection and promotion of all human rights for all, including older persons. We uphold the principles of universality, non-selectivity, and equality. Older persons are entitled to the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms. Their specific needs, vulnerabilities, and valuable contributions to society must be duly recognized and respected. However, older persons continue to face challenges, including age-based discrimination, exclusion, inadequate access to health care and essential services. Addressing these challenges requires appropriate institutional arrangements, effective implementation of existing laws, and greater awareness of the rights and dignity of older persons. Mr. Chair, Nepal’s constitution guarantees the rights of senior citizens. The Senior Citizen Act 2006 provides for their care, social security, protection against abuse and financial exploitation, priority in health care and public services, as well as access to legal remedies. The Government of Nepal provides a non-contributory old age allowance as part of its social protection measures. We believe that the protection of older persons requires a comprehensive, inclusive, and human rights-based approach. Therefore, we need strong international cooperation and concerted efforts to address existing challenges and ensure the effective realization of the human rights of older persons. Nepal looks forward to engaging constructively in this process of advancing an international instrument on the human rights of older persons in a spirit of cooperation, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that every person can age with dignity, security, and respect. I thank you.

Thank you. Let me clarify something that was raised by Japan and Nepal. The guiding questions have the sole objective of providing some guidance to the discussion. By no means it precludes any other comments, suggestion or proposal that any delegation could have before receiving those guiding questions. I give the floor now to the League of Arab States, followed by the Council of Europe and the Sovereign Order of Malta.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Chair, the League of Arab States expresses its full support to the efforts undertaken currently to establish an instrument on older persons. The League of Arab States, through its various bodies and organizations, including the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, has drafted a strategy that places significant importance on this issue. This reflects the particular importance that the League places on the issue. The League is composed of 22 states. Through its permanent representative to the United Nations, we presented a document on our views regarding this instrument. This paper draws on a number of priorities, in particular, the significance we place on granting health care, secondly, expanding health care for older persons, as well as having a plan that aims at not excluding public services for older persons. Thirdly, enhancing the quality of services available for older persons, in particular those with disabilities, as well as bolstering the legal and institutional framework to support the transformation necessary for society. Fourthly, improve access to new technologies and promote a advantages from new technologies to ensure that there is no marginalization or exclusion of older persons. In conclusion, we reaffirm the resolute attitude of the Arab States to cooperate with other delegations on a basis of multilateralism in order to forge our efforts to establishing a new instrument. We hope that these priorities can be taken into account above and beyond the 2030 Strategy. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate from the League of Arab States, and I now give the floor to the Council of Europe, followed by the Sovereign Order of Malta and Uruguay.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Council of Europe welcomes the important work of this working group and its efforts to draft an internationally legally binding instrument on the human rights of older persons. The number of older people around the world is growing, and it will continue to rise in the years ahead. Older persons should be able to participate fully and effectively in society and be included in it. They should also be able to live with dignity and security, free from discrimination, isolation, violence, neglect, and abuse, and with as much autonomy as possible. The Council of Europe has consistently been committed to the promotion of human rights of older persons. One of the key instruments guiding this work is the 2014 recommendation of the Committee of Ministers on the promotion of human rights of older persons. It provides guidance to Member States on applying human rights to the specific circumstances, challenges, and opportunities that may shape older persons' lives. It also supports efforts to protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by all older persons. The recommendation helps combating age-based discrimination. Its implementation is periodically reviewed, taking into account developments in society and emerging challenges. In addition, Article 23 of the revised European Social Charter is the first provision in a human rights treaty aiming specifically at protecting the rights of older persons. The core ideas that underpin it include human autonomy, social inclusion, and active citizenship. Recently, a fact sheet on this provision was published. It summarizes and highlights the case law under the Charter, and therefore serves as an authoritative and practical guide on how Member States must protect the rights of older persons. The human rights of older persons must not only be recognized by law, they also must be effective in practice. The persistent challenges that older persons continue to face in our societies underline the importance of this meeting. The Council of Europe remains committed to protecting their human rights and strongly welcomes continued dialogue with the United Nations and regional organisations. Our shared goal must be ensuring that every person can age with dignity and security and fully enjoy their human rights. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor now to the Sovereign Order of Malta, followed by Uruguay and Norway.

Mr. Chairman, Excellencies, Order of Malta would like to thank the Working Group on its work towards drafting and submitting a legally binding instrument on the human rights of older persons. The Sovereign Order of Malta, throughout its work in some 130 countries, is committed to upholding the dignity and full legal capacity of older persons. We currently support and directly manage 110 homes for the elderly, assist patients with dementia, and those requiring palliative care in specialised centres. We would like to raise a few issues for the consideration of the Working Group. Regarding the general principles and general obligations guiding question number three, my delegation recommends that a legally binding instrument explicitly recognizes the right of older persons to the respect of their own culture and traditions, and in particular, the right to practice their own religion or faith. Secondly, in the catalogue of rights guiding question number four, it should be specified that the recognition that artificial intelligence and new emerging technologies are able to meaningfully improve older persons' access to healthcare and participation in social and civil life, while also recognising at the same time that people must be sufficiently informed and updated about how their data is used and processed. Nonetheless, AI can pose many serious challenges and must always be used in a way that respects and benefits the inherent dignity of human beings. Lastly, not forgetting the integration of climate change from the very beginning of the negotiation period, as older persons, especially those with adverse medical conditions, are among the most affected by changing weather patterns. As for the implementation and monitoring of the legally binding instrument, the Assembly of Malta recognizes that non-state actors engaged in global activities have a role to play in the advocacy and monitoring of the legally binding instrument through international cooperation. Once again, my delegation thanks the Working Group for their invaluable work, and we look forward to continued engagement with all stakeholders. Thank you.

I thank the Sovereign Order of Malta, and I give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Uruguay.

Chair Rapporteur, Uruguay is pleased at the second session of the IGWG. This is a valuable opportunity to continue the substantive discussions and lay the foundations to draft the first legally binding international instrument on the human rights of older persons. We understand that one of the main challenges of this negotiation process will be to guarantee that the future instrument brings added value to the international legal framework that exists already. It's not just about reaffirming rights that have already been recognized, but rather to develop specific guarantees that help us to bridge the gap between formal recognition and effective exercise, particularly in the face of discrimination on the grounds of age, institutional barriers, and accumulated inequalities over a lifetime. Dignity Equality and non-discrimination, as well as full, effective participation of older persons in society, should be the pillars of the future instrument. In particular, we need to overcome any ideas that automatically associate ageing with a lack of independence, a lack of autonomy, and so on. They are fully-fledged rights holders with an ability to take decisions and participate in their communities. We believe that the future convention must recognize the diverse experiences of aging and look at the multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination that can impact the effective enjoyment of human rights by older persons. Another relevant aspect is the human right to care. We believe it is crucial that the future instrument contribute to supporting effective care, respecting autonomy and preferences of older persons, as well as their right to live in an independent way and participate in the community. In addition to granting protection for economic, social, and cultural rights, as well as civil and political rights of older persons, overcoming barriers for effective exercise, as well as addressing the challenges that new technologies bring, the future instrument must guarantee mechanisms that are efficient, independent, and sustainable. in step with international cooperation that helps to strengthen national capacities. Chair Opatar, in Uruguay, the demographics see a, we see an aging population about 16% of our population are 65 or older, and this is a reality that brings challenges and opportunities for developing public policies that are based on human rights. Against this backdrop, we'd like to highlight the adoption of the third aging plan for 2026 to 2030. This reaffirms Uruguay's commitment to a comprehensive view of aging geared at trying to combat age-based discrimination, overcome barriers to access to rights, as well as to strengthen institutional capacities to respond to the diverse needs of older persons. To conclude, Uruguay reiterates its commitment to contribute constructively to this process, and we trust that the discussions this week will allow us to make significant progress, substantive progress, and create a foundation for work. We believe it's essential to promote an open inclusive dialogue that takes into account the different perspectives of delegations, as well as contributions from civil society, in particular organisations of older persons and other stakeholders participating in this process. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Uruguay.

I now turn to the delegation of Norway, followed by UNFPA and Saudi Arabia.

Thank you, Chair. Norway thanks the working group for its efforts and for facilitating an open and constructive exchange of views. Norway agrees that older persons face specific human rights challenges. The main philosophy underlying Norway's social protection system is universal coverage against all traditional social security risks, aiming to provide security and protect dignity throughout the different stages of life. As in many countries, older persons constitute a growing share of the population in Norway. In response, we have developed policies aimed at creating a more age-friendly society, including measures to enable people to live independently at home for longer and the use of new technologies to promote participation, autonomy, and well-being. Norway has also put in place legal protections against age discrimination, including through our Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act and labor legislation. as well as a range of general and targeted measures designed to address challenges faced by older persons. Chair, Norway's starting point is that human rights are universal. If we are to establish a new instrument, it should demonstrate clear added value. We should avoid duplication of existing human rights. We should also avoid the potential weakening of the universal character. Existing human rights instruments already provide important protection for older persons. The Human Rights Committee has established that Article 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights covers age discrimination, while the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities also offer relevant safeguards. Chair, the most pressing challenge we face in international human rights work is one of implementation of existing norms. The international human rights machinery is severely underfunded. The resources available to the OHCHR, the treaty bodies and special procedures have shrunk to a bare minimum. In this situation, resources should be directed towards closing the implementation gap, towards making existing rights a reality in people's daily lives. Norway also notes that questions involving the allocation of public resources between different age groups are closely linked to national democratic processes and policy choices. Considerations of subsidiarity and democratic accountability suggest that such decisions should primarily remain the responsibility of individual states. We further observe that older persons are a highly diverse group, and that states differ significantly in their economic circumstances, social systems, and cultural context. This diversity can make it challenging to develop global rules that are both sufficiently precise and broadly applicable. Chair, Norway has not yet taken a position on the question of a new binding instrument. However, we believe that any future political decision would benefit from a thorough examination of the issues just mentioned, and we encourage the working group to continue its consideration of them. Thank you.

I'd.

Like to thank Norway, and then I give the floor to UNFPA, to be followed by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

As the group reconvenes to discuss the main elements of a future convention, it is important to state from the outset that older persons as fully-fledged rights holders are entitled to the whole range of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights as an individual from other age groups. However, ageism, age-based discrimination and restrictions on their autonomy have historically exacerbated the invisibility and exclusion of older persons from civil, economic, social and cultural life. The future convention will be a fundamental tool to recognize that older persons are entitled to specific rights, addressing their unique vulnerabilities and enhancing their autonomy and active aging. The gendered nature of aging plays a significant role in the enjoyment of older women's rights, as women experience aging and its impact differently. Gender inequalities accumulate across the life course, shaping women's income, security, health, and autonomy in older age. Globally, in 2023, women accounted for 55.7% of people aged 65 and above, facing higher poverty rates than older men. In many countries, women experience a dual impact of age and gender discrimination, including limited access to education, income, land ownership, and health services. They are most likely to live alone and require long-term care. Many older women are also women with disabilities and indigenous, afro-descendant, or LBTI women facing intersecting barriers in accessing services and exercising rights. Many of the professional caregivers for older persons are also women. In many countries, women, including older women, are expected to care for other family members. The Convention should recognize older persons as both providers and recipients of care. and support, uphold their autonomy and choice, and promote the equal sharing of care responsibilities between women and men. Older persons must also be able to access quality health services, including sexual and reproductive health services, without age-based discrimination and with full respect for their autonomy. Governments have a duty to protect the human rights of older persons and support professional and non-professional caregivers, including the family members. UNFPA's work in supporting governments to collect age-disaggregated data and identify the specific vulnerabilities and barriers older women face will be a useful contribution in developing a new convention. This evidence, combined with the lived experiences and meaningful participation of older persons and their representative organizations, will be essential to ensuring a strong, inclusive, and rights-based normative outcome. I thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to Saudi Arabia, followed by Pakistan and Lesotho.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. We would like at the outset to align our statement to the GCC statement. Mr. Chair, we welcome the convening of the second session of the IGWG. and we express our appreciation to the efforts deployed by the Presidency and the OHCHR in preparing the current session. We look forward to pursuing work with the Member States in order to achieve progress in the drafting of the LBI on older persons' rights. We reiterate our statement that we delivered in the first session of the IWG. We reiterate our support to drafting an LBI that promotes and protects the rights of older persons, that tackles the gaps in terms of protection so that they can enjoy their rights as per international obligations on member states. It is important to also benefit from national legislations and good practices at the national level in order to have a clear and implementable LBI. Regarding the topics under discussion during this session, it is important to have a preamble that determines the objective of the LBI, the challenges faced by older persons, impact of discrimination, harm, and neglect on their life, social and economic life, and also to determine what are the areas that need legal protection and the results that we are hoping to achieve in terms of the obligations of the LBI in such a way to assess the impact in protecting and promoting older persons' rights. It is important also to take into account the needs, health conditions, social and economic conditions of older persons, and to secure their rights without discrimination based on age or any illegitimate reason. Regarding definitions, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reiterates the importance of having clear and accurate definitions and to determine the age category under protection. The system of protection of older persons in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the following: an older person is any person who is 60 years old and more. And it is important to benefit from the various national experiences when it comes to definitions. As to the general principles and rights in the LBI, it is important to safeguard the human dignity of older persons, equality, non-discrimination, protecting them from harm, neglect, and abuse and secure their access to care and services, and to recognize their status and their participation in society, as well as promoting their participation in social and economic life. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reiterates the importance of allowing older persons to participate and have a say in the issues that are of relevance to them, in accordance with national laws, and in such a way to develop services and programs that target them. In this context, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reiterates the importance of achieving a balance between the state responsibility in terms of protection and services, the role of the family, the contribution of community and private sector in such a way to protect and preserve the rights and dignity of older persons. Mr. Chair, regarding the implementation of the LBI and its monitoring, It is important to have clear obligations that help countries to take necessary measures for the implementation, to define the responsibilities of relevant authorities, and to evaluate the impact, as well as benefiting from national mechanisms, international expertise, modern technologies, and developing the services of care We also reiterate the importance of promoting international cooperation by exchanging expertise, good practices, benefiting from the UN efforts and its various specialized agencies in such a way that will support the countries in implementing the obligations of the LBI while taking into account their commitments, capacities, and national priorities. Finally, Mr. Chair, we would like to reiterate the importance of having a drafting process that is based on consensus between Member States to have obligations that are clear and accurate, while putting aside the concepts that do not enjoy international recognition, and to keep the LBI in line with international commitments that Member States have ratified or joined, and to take into account also the national circumstances, capacities. Our objective is to have an international LBI that will practically lead us to promoting and protecting the rights of older persons. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Delegate from Saudi Arabia. I remind all delegates that the time limit is three minutes. And I give the floor now to Pakistan, followed by Lesotho and France.

Thank you, Mr. Chair Rapporteur. We thank the Working Group and the Secretariat for preparing the documents for this session. We also congratulate the Working Group on generating such considerable interest in this process that some of us initially had to find a place at the very back of the room. In Pakistan, like in many other societies, older persons are held in the highest honour. Their wisdom is cherished and remains an important source of guidance for families and communities. Care for elders is regarded not as a burden, but as a moral duty and a privilege. Chair, as we enter negotiations on the LBI, Pakistan believes that it should be guided by the following considerations. First, the instrument must build upon, rather than reinvent, the existing international human rights framework. Any new normative development must address clearly demonstrated protection gaps without duplicating, diluting, or contradicting existing obligations. Second, the dignity of older persons is inherent, equal, and non-negotiable. It does not diminish with age, dependency, or ill health. The LBI must reaffirm this principle unequivocally in language admitting no conditions. Third, the LBI should duly recognize and further strengthen the indispensable role of the family in providing that care and support. Fourth, there is no single universal model for protecting and promoting the rights of older persons. The instrument must respect national legislation and the cultural and social diversity of states. Fifth, for many countries, particularly developing countries, the real challenge is not only the absence of legal standards, it is the absence of resources, trained personnel, and adequate care infrastructure. We must resist the temptation to create ambitious obligations on paper that cannot be delivered in practice, and that would leave older persons with promises instead of protection. commitments must be realistic and be backed by meaningful international cooperation, predictable financing, technology transfer, and capacity building. Sixth, the LBI must not become another ideological battleground, as we have unfortunately witnessed in several other processes at this Council. This process should unite us around the protection of older persons, not divide us. We must prioritize consensus and avoid ideological concepts that remain undefined or contested. Seventh, we must also guard against adding a further layer of reporting obligations without addressing the considerable burden already placed on States and the treaty body system. Any monitoring mechanism must be proportionate, practical, and mindful of existing international capacities. Finally, Pakistan stands ready to engage constructively in this process so that every older person can enjoy their rights with their inherent dignity fully respected. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate from Pakistan and now give the floor to the delegation of Lesotho, followed by France and Colombia.

Thank you, Chairperson. The Kingdom of Lesotho welcomes this second session of the Intergovernmental Working Group. and reaffirms its commitment to the elaboration of a legally binding international instrument on the human rights of older persons, pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 58/13. We thank the Chairperson Rapporteur and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for their preparations and the guiding questions circulated for this session. Lesotho is honoured by the Africa Group's nomination on our country. serve as a co-facilitator in this process, we stand ready to contribute constructively in a spirit of transparency, inclusivity, and cooperation to building common ground among delegations. Chairperson, all the persons are rights holders whose dignity, autonomy, and equal participation must guide our work. Their contributions to families, communities, and national development deserve recognition, alongside effective protection against discrimination, violence, abuse, and neglect. Lesotho underscores the importance of social protection in enabling older persons to live with dignity and independence. Our The old age pension scheme remains an important national measure supporting income security in later life. Our experience also highlights the need to connect income support with accessible health care and services that reach older persons in rural and remote communities. Consequently, the future instrument should address the barriers that prevent older persons from enjoying their rights on an equal basis with others. It should recognize the diversity of their circumstances, including the intersecting forms of discrimination experienced by older women, older persons with disabilities, and those living in poverty. Chairperson, Lesotho would like to highlight several priorities for the substantive discussions. First, the instrument should establish clear guarantees of equality and non-discrimination, including protection against age-based discrimination. These definitions should provide inclusive protection and reflect the different circumstances in which disadvantage associated with old age arises. Second, it should safeguard autonomy, legal capacity, and the right of older persons to make decisions about their own lives, including their living arrangements and care. Support should respect their will and preferences. Third, the catalogue of rights should address social security, adequate living standards, accessible health care and support, and access to justice. It should also provide effective protection against violence, neglect, and financial exploitation, with accessible complaints mechanisms and remedies. Fourth, older persons and their representative organizations must participate. participate meaningfully in negotiating the instrument and in developing, implementing, and monitoring measures affecting them. Finally, effective implementation will require capable national institutions, reliable age-disaggregated data, and international cooperation. Technical assistance and capacity building will be particularly important for developing countries. Monitoring arrangements should strengthen accountability, while remaining accessible and workable for States with limited resources. Chairperson, Lesotho supports a practical instrument that builds on existing human rights guarantees and addresses the specific protection gaps faced by older persons. We look forward to working with all delegations towards a framework that delivers tangible improvements in their lives. I thank you.

Thank you, Lesotho, for your contribution and also for your commitment to the process. We are very happy to have you as one of our facilitators from now on.

I now call upon the delegation of France.

Thank you very much, Chairman. Chairman. France would like to thank the Chairmanship and the Secretariat for organizing this second session of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Rights of Older Persons. France will pursue its involvement in the discussions surrounding the future international legally binding instrument. France is fully mobilized to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms of older persons. The future instrument must incorporate principles of universality, indivisibility, and interdependence of all human rights. This legal framework should be based and should be consistent with international human rights law, which is existing, in particular the main international human rights conventions, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and relevant regional instruments. It must reaffirm existing rights and also fill the gaps identified. The instrument must in particular enshrine the respect of dignity, of autonomy and the capacity to act of older persons, equality and non-discrimination, discrimination and inclusion, protection from violence and abuse, negligence, neglect and exploitation in all its forms. and must provide effective access to rights, including justice, social protection, healthcare, long-term and palliative healthcare. It must bolster the recognition of older persons as actors of their own lives by taking into account the diversity of their situation linked to age, gender, disability, social and geographic origin, amongst other factors. The instrument must also pay attention to the challenges thrown up by demographic developments. In France, older persons of over the age of 65 account for 30% of the population, and this will be in 2015 compared to 20% at the present time. But also issues related to family transformations and professional transformations, digital technology, AI, the environment, and climate change. Ladies and gentlemen, France. reaffirms its commitment to the importance of older persons, their representatives, and civil society organisations in the discussions on the instrument. It is vital to take into account the past experiences of older persons. I thank you.

Thank you. I now call upon the distinguished delegation of Colombia, to be followed by Kazakhstan and Serbia.

Thank you very much, Sir Rapporteur. Colombia is grateful for convening this second session of the Intergovernmental Working Group, as well as the guiding questions prepared by the Chairmanship, which make it possible to move from discussion on the general framework to specific elements of the future instrument. At the first session, Colombia expressed its support to the drafting of an international legally binding instrument on the human rights of older persons. Today we restate that commitment. Aging is a demographic reality which is global in scope. In Colombia, over 8 million people are 60 or more. That's about 15% of the population. This change raises challenges for states, but also provides an opportunity to build more inclusive and supportive societies. For this session, Colombia would like to highlight four ideas which will guide our statements. Firstly, the Institute must reaffirm that older persons are fully fledged rights holders of all human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal footing, dignity and autonomy, overcoming assistance-based and paternalistic approaches. Secondly, ageism must be recognized as a widespread phenomenon which transcends cultures and borders. That is why the treaty must have a clear definition of discrimination on the grounds of age, which address its direct and indirect forms, as well as stereotypes and prejudices underpinning it. Thirdly, we're not starting from scratch. The instrument must be built upon the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration, and basic human rights treaties, but also on the principles of the United Nations when it comes to older persons and the Madrid Action Plan, and by way of comparative reference on regional developments, such as the Inter-American Convention on the Protection of the Human Rights of Older Persons, to which Colombia is a party. Fourthly, the instrument must respond to emerging risks and topics which haven't had enough attention in other instruments, such as the situation of older persons in armed conflict, disasters, and humanitarian emergencies, and the impact of new technologies, including the digital divide. Colombia will participate actively and constructively in each of the agenda items. The aim is to move towards a robust instrument which is consistent with the universal system and able to respond to the diversity of the realities of ageing. Nothing about older persons without older persons. Thank you.

Thank you very much indeed. Colombia, Canada.

The Chair and the core group for convening us this week. Canada supports an approach firmly grounded in international human rights law and in the recognition that older persons are rights holders entitled to the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms. The outcome of this working group should build on existing human rights obligations while clarifying how those rights apply in older age to address persistent gaps in protection and implementation. Canada emphasizes the importance of the full, meaningful, and effective participation of older persons themselves in all their diversity throughout this process. Canada also supports an intersectional approach. Older persons are not a homogenous group, as many intervenors have noted today, and experiences of aging are shaped by diverse identities and circumstances. Ageism may intersect with other forms of discrimination, creating compounded barriers that must be reflected in our discussions. Canada believes this process should affirm principles including dignity, equality, and non-discrimination, autonomy, independence, accessibility, inclusion, participation, and accountability. Efforts to advance the rights of older persons should recognize not only support needs, but also the valuable contributions older persons make to families, communities, economies, and public life. We welcome further discussion on areas where older persons continue to face barriers, including health care, housing, economic security, protection from violence, abuse and neglect, digital inclusion, and emergency preparedness. Canada would also welcome further discussion regarding the respective roles of families, communities, and states. While families often play an essential role, responsibility for protecting human rights rests with states. Finally, Canada welcomes ongoing reflections on implementation and monitoring mechanisms and on how this process can build on previous work and existing international frameworks. Thank you. We look forward to work constructively with all delegations.

I thank the distinguished delegate from Canada. And the last speaker that we will be able to accommodate today is the distinguished delegation from Serbia.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Republic of Serbia welcomes the convening of the second session of the Working Group and reaffirms its support for the development of an international legally binding instrument on the human rights of older persons. While existing international human rights instruments provide important protection, further efforts are needed to ensure that older persons can effectively enjoy their human rights on an equal basis with others. The future instrument should provide a clear framework for the effective protection and promotion of the human rights of older persons, addressing existing gaps and challenges. At the national level, the Republic of Serbia remains committed to promoting the inclusion of older persons in all spheres of social and public life, including through the implementation of the Strategy of Effective and Healthy Ageing for the period 2024-2030. According to the 2022 census, the share of persons aged 65 and over in total population of the Republic of Serbia is 22%. placing it among the demographically oldest countries in Europe. Population ageing in the country has significant social consequences, which are primarily reflected in changes in the structure of households, including the method of caring for the older persons. We are convinced that the success of this process will depend on constructive and transparent dialogue and shared commitment to the effective protection of human rights and the meaningful involvement of older persons together with civil society and other relevant stakeholders. The Republic of Serbia is pleased to serve as one of the co-facilitators of this process. We stand ready to engage actively with all delegations to advance our common objective of strengthening the human rights of older persons. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Serbia, and also thank you for your commitment as co-facilitator of this process from now on. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, this brings us to the end of this meeting. We will resume our work tomorrow at 10:00 AM to continue with the general debate. I hereby declare closed the first meeting of the second session of the open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group on the Human Rights of Older Persons. Thank you.