NCSC Represents PH at UN Talks on Global Treaty for Older Persons’ Rights

The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) advanced the Philippines’ efforts toward the creation of a legally binding global instrument to protect the human rights of older persons during the inaugural session of the United Nations Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) on Older Persons on 13 July 2026.

Representing the Philippines in Geneva, Switzerland, NCSC Chairperson and CEO Atty. Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez urged the development of a comprehensive global framework that recognizes older persons as rights holders entitled to the full enjoyment of their human rights.

In her statement before the working group, Atty. Gutierrez said population aging is an “inescapable global reality” that calls for stronger legal protections to address both the challenges and opportunities brought about by demographic change.

"The Philippines envisions an instrument that unequivocally recognizes older persons as rights holders, not merely recipients of care or charity from the state and society," Atty. Gutierrez said.

"Its objective should be to empower older persons everywhere so they can live in autonomy, dignity, and full participation in society," she added.

Atty. Gutierrez also emphasized that the proposed legally binding instrument should be anchored on the principles of non-discrimination and intergenerational solidarity.

The Philippine delegation also made sure to give due attention to the importance of affordable, humane, and dignified long-term and palliative care, as well as recognizing the rights of caregivers, particularly migrant caregivers.

“The Philippines underscores the importance of an inclusive process where civil society, national human rights institutions, and other stakeholders participate meaningfully while upholding the intergovernmental nature of the negotiations,” the NCSC Chairperson and CEO added.

Also joining the Philippine delegation are NCSC Acting Executive Director Ana Marie C. Calapit and Head Executive Assistant Atty. Jasper Allen B. Barrientos, along with other government delegates and diplomats.

Established by the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the IGWG on Older Persons is mandated to develop a legally binding international instrument to promote, protect, and ensure the full enjoyment of the human rights of older persons.

Its first session, to be held from 13 to 17 July 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, marks the start of negotiations toward a global framework that responds to the realities of population aging.

During the inaugural session, IGWG on Ageing Chair-Rapporteur Carlos Mario Foradori affirms that the meeting represented not only the beginning of a session but the start of a long-awaited process.

He noted that the initiative has been pursued for many years by national human rights institutions, States, CSOs, and millions of older persons who have called on the international community.

“The path has not been a short one. It has required patience, perseverance, and the ability to build bridges among different partners,” he said, adding that multilateral processes are built through years of discussions and a shared conviction.

Foradori expressed appreciation to the core group of Brazil, Slovenia, the Philippines, Gambia, and his own country for sustaining the initiative for many years.

“No international instrument can be built in a few days. This goal is to build an instrument that strengthens the dignity, protection, and rights of millions of older persons globally,” he added.

The urgency of the negotiations was underscored by UN Human Rights Deputy High Commissioner Awa Dabo, who noted that by the late 2070s, people aged 65 and older are projected to outnumber children under 18 worldwide.

Dabo emphasized that although older persons are already protected under existing international human rights law, many continue to face ageism, discrimination, violence, and numerous barriers to meaningful participation.

“All persons are already rights holders under the international law of Human Rights. But the existing framework was not designed with the specific and cumulative forms of discrimination and exclusion that they experience,” Dabo said.

UNHRC is confident that a legally binding instrument would provide older persons and the organizations representing them with a concrete legal basis to claim their rights while giving States a clear framework for legislation, policies, programs, and services.

For its part, the Philippines, as represented by NCSC, vowed to work collaboratively with fellow Member States and stakeholders toward a robust and forward-looking global instrument that will safeguard the overall welfare of older persons today and for future generations.

Guided by its mandate under Republic Act No. 11350, the NCSC will continue championing the rights and autonomy of older persons in the Philippines and across the global community. ■