About the brief
CIP explores the right to care and support and offers recommendations for the Older Persons Convention.
Why does the Convention need a fuller understanding of care and support?
The Older Persons Convention is expected to build on existing frameworks, including the 1991 United Nations Principles for Older Persons: independence, participation, care, self-fulfilment, and dignity. These principles remain relevant, but discussions on human rights have come a long way since 1991 – in particular through the CRPD.
The conversation on care and support extends beyond the older persons sector. Alongside age, gender and disability add complexity to care and support dynamics. The Convention should account for these dimensions when protecting the rights of older persons.
The brief explores three reasons why a full understanding of the right to care and support matters:
- Recognizing the diversity of older persons, including persons who acquire disabilities earlier in life, those who acquire disabilities as they age, and older persons who provide care.
- Ensuring consistency with international and regional human rights frameworks, including the CRPD and its recognition of independent living in the community.
- Moving towards social models of care, recognizing agency and the broader range of support people may require to participate fully in society.
Download the brief to explore the analysis and recommendations for the Convention.
