Welcome to the United Nations 
OHCHR 
About
Older persons represent a large and growing segment of the population. Almost 700 million people are now over 60. In 2050, for the first time in human history, there will be more persons over 60 than children in the world.
There is an urgent need to ensure that older persons can fully participate in all spheres of social life. Yet older persons are all too often subjected to discrimination, neglect, ageism, exclusion and other violations.
Obligations to older persons are implicit in most core human rights treaties. However, there is no international instrument dedicated to the protection of the human rights of older persons. The international community has not paid enough attention to the obstacles which hinder older persons’ full enjoyment of their human rights.
Our work
UN Human Rights strives to ensure that neglected population groups are given space and weight in the human rights agenda. The role of the Office is to ensure a voice for all, especially for those whose voices are seldom heard, such as those of older persons. We work to ensure that governments take all measures required to protect and promote the human rights of older persons, and to support their autonomy and independence. We support the work of Special Procedures and other mechanisms working to protect and promote the rights of older persons.
Who else is involved
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons
The Human Rights Council established this mandate in 2013 through resolution 24/20. The Independent Expert works to implement international instruments regarding older persons. She or he also identifies best practices in the promotion and protection of the rights of older persons, and gaps in the implementation of existing law.
