NHRC Urges Binding UN Instrument To Protect The Elderly
Nigeria Takes Stand in Geneva
NIGERIA has reiterated its commitment to protecting older citizens by calling for swift adoption of an internationally binding convention on the rights of older persons.
Speaking at the 2026 meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the rights of older persons in Geneva, Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, urged member states to expedite negotiations toward a concrete legal instrument.
The session was convened by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights during the ongoing Human Rights Council meeting.
Bridging Legal Gaps
Ojukwu highlighted persistent challenges confronting older persons globally, including age-based discrimination, neglect, abuse, and limited access to care. He underscored the need for clarity in defining and addressing ageism within the proposed instrument.
He called for inclusive consultations at national and international levels, ensuring that older persons, civil society groups, youth organisations, and human rights institutions play active roles in shaping the framework.
According to him, ownership and practical engagement are essential to achieving a convention that commands global legitimacy.
Next Steps Toward a Convention
The NHRC boss proposed that experts or supportive states draft a preliminary text to anchor negotiations before the IGWG reconvenes in July 2026. He noted that the IGWG’s Rules of Procedure, adapted from earlier UN mechanisms, provide a workable structure for advancing discussions.
To broaden participation, Ojukwu advocated for hybrid meeting formats that allow virtual engagement, thereby enabling more older persons and stakeholders to contribute meaningfully.
He concluded by reiterating Nigeria’s adherence to the principles of inclusivity and human dignity, affirming that global efforts must reflect the commitment to “leave no one behind.”
The IGWG’s mandate, established by the UN Human Rights Council, is to develop legally binding standards that address gaps in international law concerning the rights and dignity of older persons. Nigeria’s intervention signals renewed momentum in the push for comprehensive global protections.
