09/12/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/12/2024 10:17
United Nations Human Rights Council
57stsession
Interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert
on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons
12 September 2024
EU Statement
Madame Independent Expert,
The European Union reiterates its full support for your mandate, which marks its 10th anniversary this year. Your most recent report helps improve our understanding of issues related to decision-making autonomy, legal capacity, and informed consent for older persons.
You note in your report that due to old age, older persons are often denied their right to make their own decisions about different aspects of their life. Age-related discrimination stigmatizes older persons and intersects with other discrimination grounds, for instance disability.
The EU denounces and condemns all forms of discrimination, including age-based discrimination. We are especially concerned that older women are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Dignity and individual autonomy are at the very foundation of human rights and inextricably linked to the principles of equality and non-discrimination.
Madame Independent Expert,
As mentioned in your report, there is a need for approaches that support older persons experiencing cognitive decline or other limitations without infringing upon their human rights. Could you elaborate on best practices of supported decision-making models that enable older persons as rights-holders to continue exercising their legal capacity?