Global Population Aging from a Human Rights Perspective: The Need for a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons

Abstract

Global population aging constitutes one of the greatest challenges societies face today. Projected demographic shifts will have far-reaching consequences on social security and health care systems around the globe. Not surprisingly, aging has therefore long been approached from a development perspective. In recent years, however, an international human rights approach to aging has emerged as well. It is increasingly recognized that the well-being and inclusion of older persons in society depends on the promotion and protection of their fundamental rights. While great efforts have been made towards a new UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons, many states remain critical when it comes to the adoption of category-specific rights for older adults, especially in the form of legally binding instruments. This contribution thus aims to clarify why a rights-based approach to aging remains crucial and why it is important to clarify how fundamental rights apply to older persons in an international human rights treaty.