The National Pensioners Convention (NPC) reaffirmed its long-standing support for a United Nations Convention on the Rights of Older Persons by joining Age International and other organisations for a letter hand-in and a meeting at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) earlier this week.
Last October, Age International launched an open letter urging the UK public to call on Foreign Secretary David Lammy to advocate for a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons—an international legal framework designed to safeguard older people’s rights globally.
The letter has since gathered over 30,000 signatures and been co-signed by more than 35 leading civil society organisations which was presented to the FCDO Human Rights team.
Representing the NPC at the FCDO, Honorary Vice President Ellen Lebethe echoed calls for the UK Government to back a UN Convention and strengthen protections for older people’s rights.
The delegation also included Age International CEO Alison Marshall, Age UK CEO Paul Farmer, and representatives from Amnesty International, and ADD International.
Following the hand-in, they met with the FCDO team to emphasise the urgent need for a new Convention and highlight the growing public support in the UK.
Jan Shortt NPC General Secretary said "Now more than ever, it is crucial to strengthen the rights of older people in the UK and worldwide. We remain committed to advocating for a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons, striving for a future where older people’s rights are fully recognised and protected.