EU Statement – UN General Assembly 3rd Committee: Interactive Dialogue on Older Persons

Thank you, Chair!

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The EU remains dedicated to empowering older persons, promoting their well-being and encouraging their full participation in society. We are committed to preserving the human rights and fundamental freedoms of older persons and we stress that human rights are indivisible and inherent to all human beings, regardless of their age.

Participation and well-being of older persons can only be achieved if we work closely together to eradicate structural ageism, and to improve their economic opportunities and participation in political, economic, social and cultural life, including in the digital environment.

As the Pact for the Future points out, strengthening intergenerational partnerships and solidarity among generations - by promoting opportunities for voluntary, constructive and regular interaction between young and older persons in their families, workplaces and in society at large - is the way forward. To reach this commitment, we must ensure that policies and legislation benefit all age groups.

We thank the Independent Expert on Ageing, Claudia Mahler, for her valuable recommendations to safeguard the human rights of older persons more effectively. We hope that today's discussions will accelerate progress in meeting the needs of older people, including older persons with disabilities, and realising their human rights.

• Madam Independent Expert, how can Member States address gender-specific barriers, discriminations and inequalities faced by older women?

• Madam Independent Expert, as mentioned in your report, there is a need for approaches that support older persons experiencing limitations without infringing upon their human rights. Could you elaborate on best practices of supported decision-making models that enable older persons to continue exercising their legal capacity?