A/HRC/26/46 combined with limited human and economic resources were straining health and social welfare systems. Participants agreed that long-term care was a fundamental right for older persons and that its inadequacy had become a grave problem. 73. The discussion throughout the Forum produced a consensus call for addressing the insufficient protection of the rights of older persons with a new, legally binding instrument that affirmed and consolidated those rights, and for the further monitoring, study and analysis of issues relating to older persons. B. Recommendations 74. All relevant actors must strive to realize the principles of equality and nondiscrimination with regard to age and to implement the concrete obligations of States, including through the development and implementation of rights-based laws and policies on behalf of older persons. In so doing, it must be recognized that all human rights are interconnected and interdependent. The exercise of civil and political rights cannot take place in the absence of economic, social and cultural rights, and vice versa. 75. In going forward, international organizations and mechanisms must be more involved in the debate regarding ageing and the rights of older persons. The violation of these rights should not be seen merely as a moral failing but also as a justiciable violation of international human rights law at both the national and international levels. 76. Older persons can and do contribute to economic and social development, where they are not prevented from doing so through discriminatory laws, policies or attitudes. As such their right to do so must be protected and promoted. 77. A paradigm change is needed to enable older persons to enjoy their rights regardless of whether or not they are able to contribute to society economically. The realization of rights must not be seen as a public expense but rather as an investment in a more just society with a better quality of life for everyone. Additionally, the many non-economic contributions of older persons to society should be recognized and affirmed as part of our moral and legal obligation to contribute to a conscientious society that promotes active ageing and the empowerment of older persons. In this regard, the participation of older persons in decision-making that affects them and promotion of their independence and autonomy is critical. 78. Member States should commence work on drafting a legally binding human rights instrument that can facilitate efforts to respect, protect and fulfil the rights of older persons. Improved mechanisms for data collection, and further discussion and research should inform these efforts and constitute an ongoing objective of efforts to protect the rights of older persons. 19