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I would like, on behalf of the EU and its Member States, to recognize the fruitful discussions during this thirteenth session of the Open Ended Working Group, and welcome in particular the active contribution of civil society to the debates. Their role is essential in informing our deliberations.

The Candidate Countries Türkiye, North Macedonia^*, Serbia^*, Albania^*, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina^*, the potential candidate country Georgia, as well as Monaco align themselves with this statement.

The EU emphasizes that more can be done to improve the situation of older persons, to make their contributions and their needs more visible, and to strengthen the protection of their human rights, through more effective implementation of the existing human rights instruments.

In this context, the presented decision entitled “Identification of possible gaps in the protection of the human rights of older persons and how best to address them”, could assist in the above efforts.

As we look to the future of our societies, it is crucial that we consistently uphold the human rights and recognize the needs of older persons and strengthen intergenerational-solidarity.

The focus of the current session was on the “Right to Health and Access to Health Services” and “Social Inclusion”.

As regards “health”, the discussion confirmed that it is vital to acknowledge that older persons have the right to health and access to health services, just like any other member of society. The World Health Organization recognizes that older persons face unique health challenges, including chronic illnesses, co-morbidities, frailty, disabilities, and age-related conditions. It is important to ensure that healthcare systems are equipped to meet the specific needs of older persons. This includes providing age-friendly, accessible health services, increasing access to preventive care, and ensuring that healthcare professionals are trained to work with older patients.

The European Union has taken important steps to promote the rights to health and access to health services for older persons. For example, the EU has established the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing[1], which aims to promote healthy ageing and improve the quality of life for older persons.

The discussion on “Social inclusion” is crucial to contribute to promoting the human rights and well-being of older persons. Social isolation and loneliness are major issues among older persons, and can have significant negative impacts on their right to physical and mental health. Therefore, it is important to ensure that older persons are included and valued as full members of society. This includes promoting inter-generational solidarity, encouraging participation in community activities, and creating age-friendly and accessible environments that support social connection and engagement.

Despite these efforts, ageism and discrimination against older persons continue to be significant issues in many parts of the world. This is particularly concerning given the demographic changes that many countries are experiencing, with populations aging at an unprecedented rate. Therefore, it is essential that we continue to prioritize inter-generational solidarity and work to challenge ageist attitudes and practices.

The European Union promotes age non-discrimination policies in the United Nations and has been promoting a better mainstreaming of the human rights of older persons through the work of the UN. Moreover, together with Member States, the European Union is a party to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which protects the human rights of persons with disabilities including older persons with disabilities. It is important to highlight the needs of this group. Additionally, the implementation of the CRPD has brought significant improvements for persons with disabilities in various areas of our society.

At the European level, we are also working towards a horizontal Equal Treatment Directive to protect against discrimination including on the ground of age in essential fields such as education, health care and access to and supply of goods and services available to the public, including housing.

In conclusion, while the demographic transition brings tremendous challenges, the fact that persons nowadays live longer and healthier than previous generations is a remarkable societal achievement in itself.

Promoting the human rights and well-being of older persons is a critical aspect of building a just and equitable society. We must prioritize inter-generational solidarity and challenge ageism and discrimination against older persons, while also implementing policies and programs that promote the rights to health and access to health services, as well as social inclusion. By working together to build a more inclusive and supportive society, we can create a better future for all members of our communities, at any age.

We are looking forward to further discussions. The EU will continue to engage with OEWGA, including by considering the existing international framework of the human rights of older persons and identifying possible gaps and how best to address them.

Thank you.

* North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

[1] EIP-on-AHA: European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing | Knowledge for policy (europa.eu)