UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on older persons. Not delivered due to time constraints.
Thank you, Mr President.
Allow me to begin by thanking the Independent Expert for all her work on advancing the rights of older persons.
Her recent report rightly emphasises the need for a paradigm shift which moves away from narratives that frame older persons as a burden and instead recognises them as rights holders, contributors and valued members of society.
We also value the focus on 'Ageism and Age Discrimination in the Labour Market' within the report as this is a priority issue which we are seeking to address in the UK. In response to the challenges faced by older persons, we have introduced targeted initiatives aimed at removing barriers to employment and expanding access to digital skills training to ensure that older people can play active and fulfilling roles in the labour market and in society.
On a related note, we welcome the adoption of resolution HRC58/13 which established an Intergovernmental Working Group for the elaboration of a legally binding instrument on the rights of older persons, and look forward to engaging in the process starting next year.
Ms Mahler,
Do you have any examples of best practice you can share on policy making relating to the protection of older persons from age discrimination, especially within the labour market?
Thank you.
