United Nations Human Rights

Global progress on the rights of older people

The Intergovernmental Working Group on the Rights of Older Persons is an open-ended intergovernmental body. Its primary mandate is to elaborate a comprehensive and integral international legal instrument to promote and protect the rights and dignity of older persons.

Published: 7 May 2026
  • national
  • 7 May 2026
  • UNited Nations

The United Nations has agreed to establish an Intergovernmental Working Group on older persons, a significant shift from dialogue to formal action in the long-standing push for a UN convention on the rights of older people. This milestone has been recognised by the Australian Human Rights Commission and reflects growing international momentum.

COTA Australia, through its engagement with Rights of Older Persons Australia (ROPA) and the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People (GAROP), is actively contributing to this work, ensuring Australian perspectives are represented in shaping international rights frameworks.

Key developments:

  • Establishment of a UN intergovernmental working group, moving from dialogue to formal action.

  • Direct opportunity for COTA Australia, via ROPA and GAROP, to influence global rights protections.

  • Long-term potential to strengthen international standards and Australian policy alignment.

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