A/HRC/41/32
policies and practices and stimulate action through the WHO-led global campaign to
combat ageism.
44.
ECE issued its most recent policy brief on ageing, on the theme of combating
ageism in the world of work. 10 Drawing on good practice examples from the region, ECE
highlights in the policy brief ways in which to address ageism in the labour market in order
to form age-inclusive and age-diverse workplaces that offer equal opportunities for all
generations.
45.
The Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People has been implementing a project
entitled “Global fight against ageism” in partnership with Age International and HelpAge
International, aimed at empowering older persons and civil society organizations in 10
countries in Asia and Africa (Bangladesh, Cameroon, India, Kenya, Liberia, Mauritius,
Nepal, Rwanda, Uganda and United Republic of Tanzania) to advocate for the rights of
older persons and challenge ageism and age discrimination at the local, regional and
international levels.
46.
In 2018, AGE Platform Europe, with the support of its partners, including the United
Nations and civil society organizations, launched a 70-day campaign against ageism
spanning the period between the International Day of Older Persons (1 October) and the
seventieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, on International
Human Rights Day (10 December).
H.
Supporting the full integration of older persons into society
47.
The right to participation constitutes a guarantee against social exclusion and
isolation, without which older persons will continue to suffer from persistent beliefs that
they are a social burden and are passive recipients of assistance rather than active rights
holders who continue to contribute to society. An age-friendly environment is key to
ensuring the continued active contributions by and full integration of older persons in all
spheres of life. The Madrid Plan of Action stipulates that all older persons, regardless of
their circumstances, are entitled to live in an environment that enhances their capabilities
(A/CONF.197/9, chap. I, resolution 1, annex II, para. 94). The 2030 Agenda includes
specific targets relating to older persons under Goal 11 to provide safe, affordable,
accessible and sustainable transport systems (target 11.2) and to provide universal access to
safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces (target 11.7). The New Urban
Agenda has “accessibility for all” as a core principle and includes commitments such as
enabling older persons to participate effectively in decision-making about urban and
territorial development (General Assembly resolution 71/256, annex, para. 148). In order to
foster the social inclusion of older persons, the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all
human rights by older persons emphasized the need to mainstream their rights in
development, in urban policies and in poverty reduction strategies (A/HRC/39/50, para.
83).
48.
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), as the United
Nations agency responsible for human settlements and urbanization, supports and advocates
improved city spatial planning and management that respect, protect and fulfil the rights of
older persons in the city. Access to services, education and social inclusion are often
restricted by a lack of mobility and accessibility. Therefore, UN-Habitat supports universal
design as a principle to be applied to all urban development processes. The built
environment must be appropriately designed to fulfil the rights of all people, including
people in old age, to have access to urban services, urban life and housing. That approach
must be complemented by appropriate transport systems and adequate housing design that
allow full physical access for older persons. Only once those conditions are met will older
persons gain full dignity and enjoyment of their rights in cities, including the rights of older
persons to autonomy and independence. Through the United Nations Conference on
Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III) process and through the
10
12
ECE, “Combating ageism in the world of work”, Policy brief on ageing No. 21, February 2019.
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