Cyprus Third Age Observatory participates in UN working group on older persons rights

The Cyprus Third Age Observatory participated in the first UN Intergovernmental Working Group on the rights of older persons held in Geneva from July 13 to 17, 2026. The delegation included Executive President Dimos Antoniou and Senior Officer Maria Peter. The working group aims to develop a new, legally binding international convention to address ageism as a fundamental human rights issue. During the session, the Cyprus delegation, aligning with the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People (GAROP), advocated for the recognition of older individuals as full beneficiaries of all human rights. Proposals included prohibiting age-based discrimination in employment, healthcare, and social services, while establishing clear standards for long-term and home-based care. The representative emphasized the necessity of including practical mechanisms for legal recourse and independent oversight within the convention. The Cyprus Third Age Observatory, a non-profit organization based in Limassol, has been active for ten years.