The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has joined the calls by its fellow National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), civil society, and rights advocates for the creation of a United Nations (UN) Convention on the rights of older persons.

This call was aired by the CHR which is conducting an #AgeWithRights Global Rally until March 5.

CHR Commissioner Beda A. Epres, focal commissioner for older persons’ human rights, stressed the "urgency" of drafting an international legal instrument for the protection and promotion of rights of older persons.

"We cannot stress enough how a convention will immensely contribute to the improvement of the lives of older persons in the present and future generations. A convention will define the specific human rights of older persons and the corresponding obligations by duty-bearers," Epres said.

"Aging is a universal experience, and so we must all work together toward a society where all older persons live dignified lives, a society free of discrimination, and where everyone will age with rights," he stressed.

He pointed out that the Philippines needs additional reports and accountability mechanisms to ensure the respect and fulfillment of the rights of older persons.

With a UN Convention on the rights of older persons, Epres  said that policymakers and concerned agencies will have a guide on how to better frame government programs and services that cater to older citizens.

The convention will also help facilitate finding human rights-based solutions and promote the exchange of learnings among its state members, he said.

He lamented that the most persistent issues faced by the older generation include lack of social protection, lack of access to health services, absence of employment opportunities, and poor standard of living.

"Given these prevalent challenges, the CHR urges the government to unite with communities and civic society, and to express its support for the development of an international instrument for the dignity and rights of older persons," he said.