A/HRC/39/32 human rights treaties. At the regional level, the Inter-American Convention on Protecting the Human Rights of Older Persons obligated the States parties to prevent all forms of violence within the family or household and to ensure treatment with dignity for older persons. The United Nations Principles for Older Persons, of 1991, contained a section specifically devoted to care, in which it was stated that older persons should benefit from family care in accordance with the cultural values in each society. Nevertheless, the absence of a comprehensive and integrated international instrument had made it difficult to specify the obligations of States towards older persons. In addition, existing mechanisms and procedures for monitoring human rights instruments generally neglected older persons. 10. The Deputy Chair of the Council of the Federation Committee for Agricultural and Food Policy and Environmental Management, of the Russian Federation, Irina Gekht, described the constitutional mandates of her country to support the family and older persons, including State obligations to develop a system of social services, benefits and other social guarantees. Although there was no specific international agreement for older persons, the general international human rights treaties were applicable. For older persons, the family was one of the most important spheres in which to realize their needs. Nevertheless, physical, psychological and economic abuse sometimes occurred within the family. The failure of family members to fulfil their responsibilities with respect to nutrition was punishable by the criminal law. Identifying human rights violations in the family was difficult, since the family was a closed cell within society, where there were legislative limits on State intervention. In addition, the narrowing of social contacts, and older persons’ lack of knowledge about their rights, reduced opportunities to receive outside assistance. 11. With the transition to a new economy, the intellectual resources, knowledge and experience of older persons had acquired special value, and the views on the role of older persons in the socioeconomic system were changing. Policies were aimed not only at preserving the quality of life and dignity of older persons, but also at creating the conditions for leading an active social and economic life. For example, the Russian Federation had adopted a strategy of action for older citizens aimed at increasing their life expectancy and quality of life and supporting active ageing. The strategy addressed the need to overcome negative stereotypes and manifestations of violence and discrimination against older persons, and to create a favourable environment and economic conditions that were conducive to active longevity and integration in society. It also included the establishment of geriatric services, and needs assessment systems for care, as well as training of older persons in physical exercise and sports. 12. Measures at the federal and regional levels aimed at protecting the rights of older persons in the family included generating awareness about the rights of older persons, counselling families caring for older relatives on social, medical, psychological and legal issues, setting up telephone hotlines for older persons subjected to domestic violence, establishing shelters for temporary stays, training lawyers to specialize in law relating to older persons, and supporting non-governmental organizations (NGOs) assisting older persons. Other initiatives were aimed at including older persons in the development process and promoting active ageing, for example through continuing education. 13. Despite the results achieved, differences remained in the quality of life of the older population, both between regions and between urban and rural areas. It would be necessary to continue working on realizing the rights of older persons in line with obligations arising from international instruments, and taking into account the best international experiences. Family policies should prioritize the preservation of traditional family values and family life, the revival and preservation of spiritual and moral traditions in family relations and family education, and the creation of conditions for ensuring family well-being and responsible parenthood. 14. The Special Envoy of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, Florence Simbiri-Jaoko, described the expected demographic changes in Africa, which included population growth, accelerated urbanization, decrease in fertility and mortality rates, increase in life expectancy, and ageing of the population. In that context, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights recognized the rights of older persons to special measures of protection. The same Charter recognized the duty of individuals to preserve the 5