Geneva:The Philippines has issued a call for a legally binding international agreement aimed at safeguarding older persons against discrimination, abuse, and neglect, while ensuring their access to healthcare, social protection, and dignified living conditions.

According to Philippines News Agency, the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) announced that Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Ma. Merceditas Gutierrez made this appeal during the second session of the United Nations Intergovernmental Working Group on the Human Rights of Older Persons, held in Geneva, Switzerland, from October 26 to 30.

The Philippine delegation proposed four priorities for the international instrument ensuring equality, non-discrimination, and autonomy; freedom from violence, abuse, and neglect; protection during disasters and humanitarian emergencies; and access to adequate living standards, social protection, healthcare, and quality care services. Gutierrez emphasized that protecting the rights of older persons also entails safeguarding caregivers, including migrant care workers, through fair compensation, decent working conditions, proper training, and labor protection.

During a side event titled "Care for the Caregivers Advancing Quality Care Services for Healthy and Dignified Ageing," Gutierrez highlighted the need for resilient and accessible care systems. This event was co-hosted by the Philippine Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva, alongside Austria, Gambia, Slovenia, and the NGO Committee on Ageing Geneva.

The call for an international agreement comes as the Philippines faces a rapidly ageing population. According to Philippine Statistics Authority's 2020 Census-Based Population Projection, the number of Filipinos aged 60 and above is expected to exceed 11 million by 2026, with older persons projected to make up one in every ten Filipinos by 2030.

The Intergovernmental Working Group, established under UN Human Rights Council Resolution 58/13, is responsible for drafting a legally binding international instrument to address gaps in the protection of older persons' rights. The NCSC, created under Republic Act No. 11350, is tasked with promoting and protecting the rights and welfare of Filipino senior citizens.