Another significant step has been taken toward the goal of establishing an International Convention on the Rights of Older Persons. The Intergovernmental Working Group on the Rights of Older Persons (IGWG-HROP)—a process led by the United Nations Human Rights Council in which Turkey also participates—held its first session in Geneva from July 13–17 to develop a draft convention.
At the IGWG-HROP session, a delegation from the Ministry of Family and Social Services represented Türkiye.
We are sharing the text of their contribution as transcribed by UN TV .
Thank you, Chair.
The delegation of Türkiye thanks the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for the preparation of this important summary, and I would like to thank Professor Barnes for his comprehensive and clear evaluations.
Türkiye firmly believes that older persons must be recognized as full rights holders entitled to equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms. They are not merely beneficiaries of protection and care, but active members of society who continue to make invaluable contributions to families, communities, and sustainable development.
In this regard, we support the development of a human rights-based and inclusive international framework that addresses existing protection gaps and enhances the visibility of older persons within the international human rights system. The future instrument should be firmly anchored in the existing international human rights architecture and should provide added value by clarifying the application of rights in older age, particularly in areas where normative and implementation gaps persist.
Turkey attaches particular importance to the principle of human dignity, equality, and non-discrimination, autonomy, participation, accessibility, and protection from violence, abuse, and neglect.
We further underline the necessity of combating ageism and age-based discrimination in all their manifestations, including those emerging in the context of rapid digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
We also believe that a life course approach is essential. Inequalities experienced in older age often stem from disadvantages accumulated throughout life. Therefore, policies and legal frameworks should pay particular attention to older women and older persons with disabilities as well.
Mr. Chair, Turkey places special emphasize on strengthening family and intergenerational solidarity. Families remain the cornerstone of support and care for older persons in many societies. In 2025, Turkey declared the Year of the Family, reaffirming our commitment to strengthening family bonds, promoting intergenerational solidarity, and supporting the well-being of all family members, including older persons.
At the same time, recognition of the important role of families and communities should not diminish the primary responsibility of States to respect, protect and fulfill the human rights of older persons.
Finally, Turkey underlines that future instruments should remain practical, implementable and sufficiently flexible to accommodate diverse national realities and capacities. International cooperation, technical assistance and the exchange of good practices will therefore be essential for effective implementation.
Turkey stands ready to engage constructively in these negotiations with the shared objective of building an inclusive, forward-looking, and effective international framework that ensures no older person is left behind.
I thank you.