By Alyssa Almonte
Marc Majam, April 17, 2023
During the 58th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Philippines spearheaded the adoption of a resolution that would establish an international treaty to safeguard the rights of the elderly.
During the 58th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) held in Geneva, Switzerland from February 24th to April 4th, 2025, the Philippines proposed a resolution to establish a legally binding instrument to promote and protect the rights of elderly individuals worldwide.
This resolution was unanimously adopted by consensus and was supported by Argentina, Brazil, the Gambia, and Slovenia. These countries collectively aimed to establish an open-ended intergovernmental working group to open dialogues and future negotiations in order to create the treaty. The Philippine Department of Affairs emphasised that this initiative exemplified “multilateralism in action, working for human rights, and for a future without age discrimination”.
The Philippines has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the rights of elderly people both domestically and internationally. Notably, the country has enacted the ‘Expanded Senior Citizens Act’, which confers upon elderly individuals various benefits, including discounts on goods and services, exemptions from value-added tax on certain products, and social pensions. Additionally, there is a Philippine National Commission of Senior Citizens that plays a pivotal role in enhancing the lives and well-being of senior citizens within the country.
The newly established intergovernmental working group will convene before the end of 2025, and a comprehensive report detailing its progress will be presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council during the 63rd session. To support the group’s work, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has offered to provide technical assistance.
Sources and Further Readings:
Philippines pushes for treaty on rights of older persons at UN Human Rights Council
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