Advancing a United Nations Convention on the Human Rights of Older Persons
Learn about the Commission's work advancing a UN Convention on the Human Rights of Older Persons in partnership with Rights of Older Persons Australia (ROPA).
Supporting stronger protections for older people
The Australian Human Rights Commission is working with civil society, government, community and international partners to advance consideration of a dedicated United Nations Convention on the Human Rights of Older Persons.
Why a UN Convention on the Human Rights of Older Persons
Population ageing is one of the most significant global demographic shifts of our time. As people live longer, older persons continue to make valuable contributions to families, communities, and economies.
Yet many continue to experience systemic discrimination, neglect, abuse, and barriers to full participation in society.
Existing international human rights frameworks do not adequately or explicitly address the unique challenges faced in older age. Ageism is often overlooked compared to other forms of discrimination and remains pervasive and deeply embedded in laws, policies, and social attitudes.
What the Commission is doing
In April 2025, the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva adopted Resolution 58/13 to establish an Intergovernmental Working Group to elaborate on a draft international legally binding instrument to promote and protect the rights of older persons.
The Australian Human Rights Commission is working with civil society organisations, government, experts and lived-experience advocates to build awareness and support advocacy efforts towards the development of a new international treaty.
In-person workshop – Melbourne (21 May 2026)
In May 2026, the Commission and ROPA hosted an in person workshop in Melbourne.
The workshop was opened by Special Envoy for International Human Rights, the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP and brought together representatives from civil society, academia, peak bodies and older persons with lived experience to explore the case for a Convention and empower individuals and civil society organisations to take action in their communities to support the convention process.
We thank ROPA and all participants for their valuable contributions.
Webinar: Advancing the UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons
How to get involved
Older people are one of the only groups without a dedicated international human rights treaty. To learn more about developments towards a United Nations Convention on the Rights of Older Persons and how you can get involved, visit: