A Convention on the Rights of Older Persons (CROP) sees older people as rights holders. It can combat ageism, guide policy making, improve government accountability and educate and empower all of us. Enacting this global Convention will provide binding protection under international law for grandmothers and older women in Africa and in Canada, and indeed for all older persons, regardless of their gender identity or place of origin.” — Margaret Gillis, President of the International Longevity Centre, Canada (ILC)
A Convention on the Rights of Older Persons would provide legal protection for the human rights of older women that are at the core of GRAN’s advocacy:
- Health
- Education and Lifelong Learning
- Freedom from Violence
- Economic Security and Social Protection.
Because this is a crucial international instrument for the protection of older persons’ rights, GRAN continues to follow developments on the international stage and will keep GRANs informed.
Progress!
In a landmark moment for the global movement to protect the rights of older people, in April 2025 the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution to establish an intergovernmental working group tasked with drafting a new, legally binding international convention. This is a significant step forward after years of sustained advocacy by older people, civil society organizations, and human rights defenders who have argued for a dedicated instrument to address the discrimination, neglect, and systemic ageism faced by older persons worldwide.
