Human Rights of Older Persons

Intergovernmental Working Group on the Human Rights of Older Persons

 Organisational Meeting

18-20 February 2026

Item 5. General Statements

EU statement

Thank you Chair,

At the outset, on behalf of the European Union, allow me to congratulate you on your election as Chair and wish you much success in steering the work of the IGWG this year. We also thank the other members of the core group for their readiness to take the helm in the future, on the basis of rotation. 

Mr Chair,

The EU is fully committed to and active in promoting the full enjoyment of all human rights by older persons without discrimination. This includes, for instance, ensuring the meaningful participation, access, accessibility and inclusion of older persons in all spheres of life, combating ageism and age discrimination, and addressing all forms of violence, neglect and abuse. 

Within Europe, we have a significant legislative and policy acquis benefiting older persons, spanning multiple issues. For instance, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union affirms that the Union recognises and respects the rights of the older persons “to lead a life of dignity and independence and to participate in social and cultural life.” Also, in light of our demographic developments, the European Commission is set to adopt a Strategy on Intergenerational Fairness in the coming months. 

As the further work of this new IGWG is being conceived, we underline that the development of standards relating to the rights of older persons must be based on and fully aligned with international human rights law, including the CRPD to which the European Union is a party to alongside its Member States, and other relevant regional instruments. 

We also trust that every possible provision will be made to draw in all relevant legal information and expertise as the IGWG deliberates on the approach, design and scope of its work. 

It is also of crucial importance to ensure meaningful participation by civil society organisations, representatives of older persons, including older persons with disabilities and those facing intersecting vulnerabilities, and older persons from all regions throughout the process. We have often heard and should heed their request “Nothing about us without us” and foresee arrangements that enable proper stakeholder consultations and draw input from diverse voices from around the world. 

To make this principle a reality, arrangements must be put in place that ensure access, accessibility, transparency and openness throughout the process, including clear communication and proactive outreach about opportunities for engagement. This is all the more important as hybrid modalities are not foreseen for the work of the IGWG.

Looking ahead to the substantive discussions of the Working Group this year, allow us to make a plea for the early circulation of preparatory material, calls for input and lead questions for the upcoming sessions.  As so many topics and policy areas will be touched upon in this work, delegations will need time for thorough preparation including inter-Ministerial and other coordination as well as the consultation of national and regional stakeholders, including local governments, and social partners.

Such arrangements are of the essence in these times of extremely scarce resources for UN human rights deliberations and in view of the expectations that stakeholders place in these proceedings. We also trust that the Chair and core group will fully align with the current efforts of the UN to make its processes and outputs as efficient and meaningful as possible. Together we all must make sure that future proceedings yield tangible progress in addressing the needs of older persons and realizing their human rights. 

Mr Chair, in closing, the EU looks forward to engaging with the Working Group and all relevant UN bodies to address protection gaps and enhance the respect for, protection and fulfilment of the human rights of older persons. As we look to the future of our societies, it is crucial that we consistently uphold the human rights of older persons and strengthen intergenerational fairness.

Thank you.