A new Australian network to promote the human rights of older persons within Australia and internationally has been launched, bringing together key civil society organisations and individuals. As Australia ages, the need for enforceable human rights for older persons becomes more urgent.
The Human Rights As We Age Network will work collaboratively to advance human rights for older persons, including through supporting the development of an international legally binding instrument on the human rights of older persons and pursuit of a national Human Rights Act and Framework.
The Network will be co-chaired by Australia’s Age Discrimination Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM and Sue Hendy, Director of the International Federation on Ageing.
“This collaborative network will aim to advance the human rights of older persons both internationally and nationally, adding weight to the many established civil society initiatives,” said Age Discrimination Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM.
“Practical results we’re seeking include a United Nations Convention on the Rights of Older Persons, a national Human Rights Act for Australia, discrimination law reform and driving the provision of information and education of the rights of older persons nationally. Working together, we may make the improbable possible.”
“This Network will play an important role in advancing the rights of older people. Together we can and will make a difference in pursuing a world without ageism, where people can age with dignity and unhindered by negative attitudes and stereotypes,” said Sue Hendy.
Initial organisational network members include:
- Aged Rights Advocacy Service
- Aged & Disability Advocacy Australia
- Australian Human Rights Commission
- Australian Independent Retirees
- COTA Australia
- Dementia Alliance International
- Dementia Australia
- Elder Abuse Action Australia
- Every Age Counts
- Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia
- Human Rights Law Centre
- Law Council of Australia
- LGBTIQ+ Health Australia
- National Older Women’s Network
- National Seniors Australia
- National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Council
- Older Persons Advocacy Network
- People with Disability Australia
- International Longevity Centre Australia
- Seniors Rights Service
