Human Rights As We Age Network launched
According to the Australian Human Rights Commission, a new Australian human rights for older persons network has launched, bringing together key civil society organisations and individuals. The Human Rights As We Age Network recognises that, as Australia ages, the need for enforceable human rights for older persons becomes more urgent, and will promote the human rights of older persons within Australia and internationally.
To be co-chaired by Australia’s Age Discrimination Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM and Sue Hendy, Director of the International Federation on Ageing, the network will work collaboratively to advance human rights for older persons. This includes the pursuit of a national Human Rights Act and Framework, and supporting the development of an international legally binding instrument on the human rights of older persons.
“This collaborative network will aim to advance the human rights of older persons both internationally and nationally, adding weight to the many established civil society initiatives,” Fitzgerald said. “Practical results we’re seeking include a United Nations Convention on the Rights of Older Persons, a national Human Rights Act for Australia, discrimination law reform and driving the provision of information and education of the rights of older persons nationally. Working together, we may make the improbable possible.”
About the network, Hendy said it “will play an important role in advancing the rights of older people. Together we can and will make a difference in pursuing a world without ageism, where people can age with dignity and unhindered by negative attitudes and stereotypes”.
Initial organisational network members include:
- Aged Rights Advocacy Service
- Aged & Disability Advocacy Australia
- Australian Human Rights Commission
- Australian Independent Retirees
- COTA Australia
- Dementia Alliance International
- Dementia Australia
- Elder Abuse Action Australia
- Every Age Counts
- Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia
- Human Rights Law Centre
- Law Council of Australia
- LGBTIQ+ Health Australia
- National Older Women’s Network
- National Seniors Australia
- National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Council
- Older Persons Advocacy Network
- People with Disability Australia
- International Longevity Centre Australia
- Seniors Rights Service
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