Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons

MANDATE OF THE INDEPENDENT EXPERT ON THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF OLDER PERSONS 

The Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons is one of the thematic special procedures overseen by the United Nations Human Rights Council.  The mandate holder addresses existing human rights law and its implementation regarding the rights of older persons. The Independent Expert identifies best practices and pinpoints gaps in the implementation of existing law, working with States to promote and protect the rights of older persons. Part of the Independent Expert’s duties is to raise awareness, not only to spread knowledge about the challenges faced in the realization of older persons’ rights, but also to make sure that elderly persons know about their rights.

The Independent Expert must apply a gender and disability perspective throughout the work of his or her mandate.

COMPOSITION AND WORKING METHODS

The mandate of the Independent Expert lasts for a period of three years. The mandate is filled by one highly qualified individual.

The UN Human Rights Council established the mandate of the Independent Expert in 2013 with Resolution 24/20. The mandate has not yet been extended.

In fulfilling the mandate, the Independent Expert undertakes country visits and submits annual reports to the Human Rights Council.

Country Visits

One important function of the Independent Expert is to conduct country visits, which it does on the basis of an invitation from the country concerned. Country visits provide the Independent Expert an opportunity to study national legislation, policies, regulatory frameworks, and institutions and practices, making it possible to identify best practices and gaps in protection.

The Independent Expert undertakes visits to States that have extended an invitation. View the list of previous country visits and the Independent Expert’s subsequent reports here.

More than 100 countries have extended standing invitations to country visits by all thematic special procedures. View the list of countries that have extended standing invitations here.

Reports to the Human Rights Council

The Independent Expert reports annually to the Human Rights Council on all of its activities relating to its mandate. These reports are available on the Independent Expert’s webpage.

CONTACT INFORMATION

The Independent Expert may be contacted by:

  • Mail:

Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons
c/o Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Palais des Nations
8-14 Avenue de la Paix
CH-1211 Geneva 10
Switzerland

  • Fax: +41 22 917 90 06