OHCHR: Call for Inputs: General Framework, Architecture and Guiding Principles for a Legally Binding Instrument on the Human Rights of Older Persons

The Australian Multicultural Health Collaborative welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the development of a legally binding international instrument on the human rights of older persons.

This submission is informed by national-level policy work, consultations with multicultural communities and stakeholders, and applied research into health and ageing systems in Australia.

We strongly support the development of a United Nations convention on the rights of older persons and aligns with the position advanced by a broad coalition of Australian civil society organisations, including the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia, recognising such an instrument as a critical step in strengthening protections and accountability.

From our perspective, the central issue is not whether rights are articulated, but whether they are accessible and actionable in practice, particularly for diverse and marginalised populations.

Outlined in the submission are key messages, background context regarding multicultural communities, human rights and ageing in Australia and answers to the three questions posed by the OHCHR.