The rights of older persons: protection and gaps under human rights law

While older persons historically have been neglected by human rights law, their rights are becoming a part of the public agenda.

Large numbers of older persons face challenges such as discrimination, poverty and abuse that severely restrict their contribution to society.

This paper explores the extent to which various existing international human rights instruments offer protection for this group. It then identifies the key arguments in the debate for and against the drafting of a new Convention on the Rights of Older Persons.