NCSC, CHR Push for International Treaty on the Rights of Older Persons

The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) held a two day national consultation from 29-30 April 2026, to push for a legally binding international treaty to protect the rights of older persons, including Filipino migrant workers.

NCSC Chairperson and CEO Atty. Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez, in her opening address, called for a fundamental shift in how society views ageing.

“For too long, the discourse surrounding older persons has been restricted to welfare-based narratives,” Atty. Gutierrez said.

“This instrument must permanently transition that narrative toward the unequivocal recognition of older persons as full rightsholders. You are entitled to the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights, both civil and political rights, as well as economic, social, and cultural rights, free from any form of discrimination,” NCSC Chairperson and CEO shared.

Atty. Gutierrez emphasized that the NCSC’s mandate under Republic Act No. 11350 extends beyond domestic policy implementation to shaping international standards on ageing.

“The NCSC will go beyond domestic implementation and move toward an international legally binding instrument,” she added.

On the one hand, CHR Commissioner Beda A. Epres, Focal Commissioner for the human rights of older persons, highlighted the significance of the consultation in bringing together both civil society and government agencies.

He noted that while earlier efforts largely relied on non-governmental inputs, this process ensured the inclusion of agencies with direct responsibility for senior citizens.

During the consultation, participants identified key rights that must be reflected in the proposed treaty. These include social protection, the right to work beyond retirement, and the right to self-organization.

Discussions also covered ageism, labor rights, the right to a healthy environment, and a broad range of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.

Participants further emphasized the need for the treaty to clearly define “older persons,” ageing, and intergenerational solidarity. They also underscored that the agreement should establish clear obligations not only for States but also for non-state actors, including families and communities, in supporting and protecting older persons.

Supporting the initiative, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Deputy Assistant Secretary Maria Roseny B. Fangco affirmed that the agency will work closely with relevant groups to prepare country inputs for the negotiations.

“We will do our best to push this agenda forward and secure a legally binding instrument. It may take time, but we will get there,” Fangco said.

As the Intergovernmental Working Group prepares to convene in Geneva later this year, Philippine stakeholders aim to ensure that the country’s priorities a

nd the lived experiences of its senior citizens are reflected in the emerging global framework.

“Through our coordination, we will develop consolidated national inputs to influence the global process and ensure Philippine priorities are clearly outlined in the treaty negotiations,” Atty. Gutierrez said.

This initiative, attended by representative organizations, civil society groups, and government agencies follows the adoption of United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 58/13, which created an Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) tasked to draft a treaty addressing protection gaps faced by older persons worldwide. ■