|
|
|
Commission for Social Development
ECOSOC establishes functional
commissions, like the Commission for Social Development,
to study different issues within its mandate and make
specific policy recommendations. As part of the follow-up
to the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing,
ECOSOC and the General Assembly designated the Commission
on Social Development as the main forum for MIPAA
evaluation. Thus, the
Commission is the key UN body in charge of the follow-up
to MIPAA.
The Commission was established in 1946 as the Social
Commission and was later renamed Social Development
Commission in order to clarify its role as a preparatory
body of ECOSOC in the whole range of social development
policy. It is composed of 46 members elected by ECOSOC and
meets once a year in New York, usually in February. Like
other functional commissions, it is open to participation
by accredited NGOs.
2012 |
2011 | 2010 | 2009
| 2008 | 2007
| 2006 | 2005
| 2004 | 2003
5 Year Review of
MIPAA | Links
Fifthieth
session (February 2012)
Throughout the
Commission for Social Development held at the UN, the
Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People has
repeatedly stated that older people, especially women,
are still too often the victims of poverty. The fact
that senior citizens are excluded from decision-making
was also raised, as was the absence of concrete measures
taken by governments. The 2002 Madrid International Plan
of Action on Aging is insufficient to protect the rights
of older persons. In fact, the rights of seniors are
often widely flouted and ignored. GAA is a member
of the Global Alliance.
Forty-ninth
session
(February 2011)
Opening
Remarks
by Ambassador Jorge Valero, Chairman of the Commission
for Social Development (February 9, 2011)
(Speech also available in Spanish)
The Ambassador from Venezuela,
Jorge Valero, presided over the 2011 UN Commission for
Social Development. He urged changes to bring a more human
perspective to our lives. According to the Ambassador, the
current economic and social model impedes human rights and
the right to development, making it difficult to eliminate
poverty and reduce inequity. He noted that the
present economic system is inefficient in creating jobs
and destroys much of our natural environment, punishing
the poorest and most vulnerable people.
Forty-eighth
session
(February 2010)
Report: World:
Views of Member States and Permanent Observers on How to
Improve the Implementation of the Madrid Plan of Action
(April 2010)
This report, created by Global Action on Aging, is based
on the Secretary General’s report submitted to the
Commission for Social Development 2010. It analyzes Member
States’ opinions on the following issues: appointment of a
Special Rapporteur on the rights of older persons;
establishment of a regular working group on older persons
and ageing during CSD, development of a new legal
mechanism (a convention on the rights of older persons),
and the recognition the rights of older persons as one of
the priority themes for the Madrid International Plan of
Action.
Resolution:
Future Implementation of the Madrid International Plan
of Action on Ageing (MIPAA), 2002 (February 12, 2010)
The UN Commission for Social Development adopted during
its 48th session a resolution on older persons. Member
States are encouraged “to consider how best the
international framework of norms and standards can ensure
the full enjoyment of the rights of older persons” and to
look at the “possibility of instituting new policies,
instruments or measures to further improve the situation
of older persons.” The theme adopted for the second review
and appraisal exercise of MIPAA is: “Full implementation
of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing:
social situation, wellbeing and dignity, development and
the full realization of all human rights for older
persons.”
NGO Side
Event Addresses Human Rights Concerns for Older Persons
(February 4, 2010)
A February 4 panel discussion on “Regional Perspectives on
a New Human Rights Instrument for Older People: Concerns
and Benefits” addressed the rights issue as nations
continue to grapple with issues of discrimination against
their elder citizens. This discussion took place during an
NGO side event during the U.N.'s 48th Commission on Social
Development. The panel was comprised of representatives
from Slovakia, Argentina, Benin and Malaysia. Each
panelist stressed the importance of acknowledging these
issues from a regional perspective as well as the
continued need for a UN Convention on the Rights of Older
Persons. View photos of this event in our gallery.
Speech by
Dr. Monica Roqué, National Director for Policy on
Aging of the National Secretariat for Children, Youth
and Family of the Ministry of Social Development of
Argentina (February 3 to 5, 2010)
(Speech also available in Spanish)
During the 48th Session of the Commission for Social
Development of the Economic and Social Council of the
United Nations, Dr Monica Roqué, on behalf of all
the MERCOSUR Member States, called for the creation and
development of an International Convention of Rights for
the Older People. She also invited UN Member States that
have not yet expressed a position to strengthen their
dialogue and analyses in their countries and to move
forward toward a Convention.
Convention
on
Older Persons Has ‘Real Capacity for Change’ (February
1, 2010)
The Madrid Plan on Ageing is a good start “but not enough”
to fully protect the rights of the world’s older people,
according to Maria Luz Melon, First Secretary of the
Mission of Argentina to the United Nations. She advocates
for an international convention on the rights of older
persons. While a convention may be the “most ambitious”
among the options being considered, it’s also the option
“that has the real capacity for change,” she said. Melon,
one of four speakers who will offer regional perspectives
on the need for a human rights instrument for older
people, will outline her position at a Feb. 4 side event
during the UN Commission on Social Development. Following
the success of the Convention of the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities, Melon, on behalf of her Government,
Argentina, is committed to bringing immediate awareness to
global aging issues.
Report: World:
Executive Summary: 2010 AARP-UN Briefing Series on
Global Aging (February 2010)
This summary from the fourth briefing series provides a
day by day account of suggestions for implementing the
Madrid Plan of Action on Aging. Held in preparation for
the 48th session of the UN Commission for Social
Development, speakers talked about social inclusion of
older persons, cultural comparisons of intergenerational
cohesiveness, and efforts to expand participation to older
persons in community health projects.
UN
Programme on Ageing Keep Ageing on the UN Agenda
(January 28, 2010)
Reporter Linda Bloom interviewed Rosemary Lane, the head
of the UN Programme on Ageing, prior to the Commission for
Social Development. Lane is in charge of placing ageing
issues on development agendas and make it part of the
conversation in civil society. According to her "maybe
from this commission, we’ll get more of a sense of what
the thinking is, but that’s not guaranteed either” as
Member States are discussing possible mechanisms to better
address the human rights concerns of older persons.
World:
Joint NGO Statement to the 48th UN Commission for Social
Development (December 2009)
To give a voice to civil society at the 48th UN Commission
for Social Development, which will take place next
February, Global Action on Aging, along with other NGOs,
agreed on a joint statement. On Human Rights Day, December
10, 2009, this statement called for strengthening the
rights of older persons worldwide. The NGOs underline the
fact that older people cannot access their human rights.
They recommend the adoption of a global human rights
instrument to assure such rights.
World: Report of the
Secretary-General to the 48th Session of the Commission
for Social Development: Further Implementation of the
Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, 2002
(November 25, 2009)
(Report also available in French, Chinese, Russian, Arabic and Spanish)
The UN has issued the Secretary General’s report to the
upcoming session of the Commission for Social Development
in February 2010. The report highlights priorities that
Member States identified for the year ahead and outlines
their views on how to implement the Madrid Plan of Action
on Ageing more effectively.
Forty-seventh session (February 2009)
World
:
Social Security For Older Persons: How Do We Protect
Pensions and Social Services for the Aging in the Midst
of Economic Crisis? (February 13, 2009)
This document reports on the Side Event Organized by
Global Action on Aging and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung
during the Commission for Social Development last
February, focusing on Social Security for older persons.
In the midst of the current economic crisis, both older
persons and current workers find themselves at serious
risk since many have invested their pension accounts in
stocks and bonds that were unregulated by state
authorities. The four panelists discuss the economic
prospects that current and future retired persons are
facing.
Report: World: Strengthening the Rights of Older People
(February 9, 2009)
This report presents the findings of a Side Event at the
47th Session of the Commission for Social Development
(2009). The event spotlighted the need for an
International Convention on Aging, necessitated by
unprecedented demographic ageing and the extent of age
discrimination and prejudice. To ensure a global level of
accountability, UN Member States must adopt international
legally binding document. Initiatives taken at the UN
level can also create a call for action at the national
level. Speakers and the audience stressed the need for a
broad coalition of NGO’s and older people, to help the
Member States implement a Convention’s new legal
arrangements to support older people’s lives.
Report: World:
Commission for Social Development, 47th Session
Chairperson’s Summary (February 2009)
The 47th session of the Commission for Social Development
emphasized the need for social inclusion to strengthen
societies by including all people in society and in
decision making. Some challenges to social inclusion are
unemployment, underemployment, and poverty. Also,
socio-demographic changes such as rapid urbanization,
population ageing, increased migration, and HIV/AIDS, pose
challenges to social inclusion. To ensure a socially
inclusive society, steps will have to be taken to end
poverty and to secure full employment and decent work
while strengthening civil society.
Aging Watch: UN Member States and
Older Persons during the Commission for Social
Development (February 2009)
The UN Economic and Social Council held its forty-seventh
session during February on the topic of social
integration. Member States addressed social integration in
their respective countries. They mentioned the situation
of various vulnerable social groups including older
persons, youth, women and disabled people. Countries that
spoke about older persons as part of their overall
commitment to social integration included: Algeria,
Belarus,
Bolivia,
China,
Czech Republic (on behalf of the European Union),
Ecuador,
Finland, Guatemala,
India,
Italy,
Mexico,
Monaco,
Morocco,
Namibia (on behalf of the African Union),
Nepal,
Netherlands, Pakistan,
Philippines,
Russia,
El
Salvador, South
Africa (on behalf of the Southern African
Development Community), Sudan
(on behalf of China and the Group of 77), Tunisia,
US,
Vietnam,
and Yemen.
Fortunately, these Member States dedicated to improving
older persons’ lives said they wanted to set up inclusive
development policies for older persons. In addition, a
number of countries stated their commitment the human
rights of all aged persons. These countries included: Armenia,
Bangladesh,
Brazil, Colombia,
Czech Republic (on behalf of the EU), Ghana,
Jamaica,
Japan, Kazakhstan,
Korea,
Malawi, Mexico,
Paraguay,
Peru,
Syria,
Switzerland,
UK,
and Zambia.
In the most pro-aging statement, Argentina
spelled out the need for a legally binding international
instrument to ensure the effective exercise of the rights
of older persons.
World:
First Review and Appraisal of the Madrid International
Plan of Action on Ageing, 2002 (MIPAA) (February 12,
2009)
UN Member States pushed forward greater implementation of
the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing at the
conclusion of the 47th session of the Commission for
Social Development. Vice-Chairperson of the Commission,
Ms. Lorena Giménez from Venezuela, submitted a
draft resolution that highlighted how MIPPA protected the
human rights of older persons, among other items. The
document encourages Member States to continue
mainstreaming aging into their policy agendas and to share
their perspectives on possible mechanisms to improve MIPAA
implementation.
Argentina:
Presentation in Favor of Human Rights for the Elderly by
Mónica Roqué from the Ministry of Social
Development (February 5, 2009)
(Report in Spanish)
The report establishes the need for States to call for the
United Nations to create a Convention on the Rights of
Older Persons as there is no legally binding document that
standardizes and protects the rights of the elderly.
Despite the growing population of the elderly, their
rights and protection of their well-being continue to be
limited. It lists the small number of rather weak
documents whose clauses specifically protect the rights of
old people.
Latin America: Healthy and
Active Aging and the Human Rights of Older Persons
(February 5, 2009)
(Report in Spanish)
The Pan American Health Organization supports the overall
protection of older persons through the creation of an
international convention on human rights. It links human
rights with the well-being of the elderly. Furthermore, it
lists rights, especially equal rights before law, right to
live, and more which will serve as building blocks to
establish a human rights convention for old persons.
Gallery of
Events during the Commission for Social Development
(February 2009)
The GAA Team participated actively in the 2009 Commission.
Among other things, we attended the
Civil Society Forum and organized in partnership
with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung a Reception
and a
Side Event on Social Security for Older Persons.
Click on the links to see the photographs.
World: Further Implementation of the
Madrid International of Action on Ageing: Strategic
Implementation Framework (November 24, 2008)
(Report
also
available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian
and Spanish)
This report intends to assist Member States to implement
the Madrid Plan of Action through the year 2012. The
Secretary General recommends they adopt legislative
measures to guarantee the basic rights of older persons
and review their capacity for developing policies to
help older persons.
Forty-sixth
session
(February 2008)
World:
Draft resolution submitted by the Vice-Chairperson of
the Commission, Ms. Zhang Dan (China), on the basis of
informal consultations First Review and Appraisal of the
Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, 2002
(February 2008)
At the end of the 2008 Commission for Social Development
and following informal consultations and many compromises,
Member States finally agreed on a draft First review and
appraisal of the 2002 Madrid International Plan of Action
on Ageing. The resolution calls upon governments to
“participate effectively in the implementation of MIPAA”
and to “continue their efforts to mainstream the concerns
of older persons into their policy agenda.” Governments
are also invited to organize inclusive consultations with
relevant stakeholders and social development partners as
they develop and carry out their aging policies.
United Nations Press Release:
Entering Second Week, Social Development Commission
Debates Entrenched Challenges of Discrimination,
Unemployment, Affecting Broad Segments of Population
Globally (February 11, 2008)
The Commission on Social Development addressed, along with
representatives from Governments, non-governmental
organizations and civil society, the challenges faced by
various social groups (elderly, youth and disabled) in the
employment sector. Much of the day’s discussion centered
on the achievements since -- and obstacles to --
implementing the 2002 Madrid International Plan of Action
on Ageing. Here is the summary of the day published by the
United Nations.
Gallery:
Reception
during the Commission for Social Development (February
7, 2008)
Global Action on Aging, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and
HelpAge International organized a reception during the
Forty-sixth session of the Commission for Social
Development. UN staff, NGO representatives and mission
delegates gathered to celebrate the actions of older
people to support the 2nd Review of the Madrid
International Plan of Action on Ageing.
World: How the International
Disability Caucus worked during negotiations for a UN
Human Rights Convention on Disability, by Maria
Veronica Reina (February 6, 2008)
Global Action on Aging organized a February 6,
2008, panel at the Commission for Social Development
focusing on strategies that governments and NGOS used to
win approval of a Human Rights Convention on Disability
during 2007. A principal speaker was Maria Veronica Reina,
a key figure in the International Disability Caucus. This
Caucus spoke with one voice representing NGOs to the
governmental Ad Hoc Committee on Disability as it
negotiated the historic UN Human Rights Convention on
Disability. Here is Maria Veronica’s account of the NGO
process during the UN debate
Global Action on Aging
Side Event: "What can Ageing Advocates Learn from the
Disability Convention Process?" (February 6, 2008)
GAA, along with Friedrich Ebert Foundation, organized a
Side Event Session entitled, “What can Aging Advocates
learn from the Disability Convention Process.” The Feb.
6 session attracted both young and old, able and
disabled persons of all ages. Speakers explored the
processes, such as NGO self-organizing, their
participation and negotiation. They also described the
politics involved among governments in coming to an
agreement and the current impact of the Disability
Rights Convention on blind citizens living in poor
countries.
Forty-fifth
session
(February 2007)
5
Year Review of the Madrid International Plan of Action
on Ageing (February 7-16, 2007)
Beginning with its forty-fifth
session (February 2007), the Commission enters into a
“two-year policy and review cycle.” For the 5 year
evaluation of the Madrid Plan, this means that the 2007
session only initiates the review. Therefore, aging
advocates must wait until 2008 for for most factual
government reports. It is possible that UN organizations
and NGO’s may offer recommendations to the Commission
during the 2007 session which could positively influence
policy implementation in 2008. Aging Watch follows major
aging-related events during Commission meetings and will
report on any adopted resolutions.
Modalities for the
First Review and Appraisal of the Madrid International
Plan of Action on Ageing, 2002 – Draft Resolution by
the Commission (E/CN.5/2007/L.4) (February 13, 2007)
Focusing on
the actual Madrid Plan review session in 2008, this
draft resolution encourages governments to step up
efforts to facilitate MIPAA implementation if they have
not done so. The resolution further calls on greater
cooperation between all stakeholders and invites
“interested Governments to offer support and assistance,
including voluntary financial contributions, to support
national and regional review and appraisal
activities.”
Major Developments in the
Area of Ageing since the Second World Assembly on
Ageing – Report of the Secretary General (November 21,
2006)
Highlighting major developments in the field of aging
since UN Member States adopted the Madrid International
Plan of Action on Ageing in 2002, this report addresses
several issues. The Secretary General mentions the
“sustainability of social protection systems, older
workers’ participation in the labour market, approaches
to adjusting the health and care services.” In regards
to social protection, the report presents the current
reform efforts in rich countries as positive,
emphasizing that no large-scale cut back or dismantling
of public programs has yet occurred. The report also
highlights the use of social pensions in an increasing
number of poor countries as an effective tool to fight
poverty among older persons and their families. The
report cites arguments against the notion that social
protection is unaffordable for poor countries. In addition,
the report mentions the growing movement for the
establishment of social protection programs in key donor
countries.
Forty-fourth session (February 2006)
In its forty-fourth session, the Commission
for Social Development focused on the "Review of the first United
Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty."
During the session's second week, the Commission
reviewed United Nations plans
and programs of action on the situation of social
groups, including the 2002 Madrid International Plan
of Action on Ageing.
Modalities for
the First Review and Appraisal of the Madrid
International Plan of Action on Ageing - Resolution by
the Commission (February 14, 2006)
At the end of its 2006 session, the UN's Commission for
Social Development decided how it would review and
evaluate the accomplishments of the Madrid International
Plan of Action on Ageing, known as MIPPA. The Commission
will begin its global review of each country's actions as
well as international institutions in 2007 and conclude
its work in 2008. The Commission relies on the cooperation
of the UN Member States, the UN System, such as the
Regional Economic and Social Commissions and other parties
to obtain information about how governments implemented
MIPAA. The Commission gives recommendations on the review
and appraisal of MIPAA and invites "interested
Governments" to support and give financial assistance in
their regions. Lack of sufficient funding remains the
biggest obstacle for comprehensive regional review and
appraisal of MIPAA.
Global Action on Aging's Two Day
Roundtable on Older Persons in the 2004 Tsunami
(February 13-14, 2006)
As part of the
Commission's follow up on the Madrid International Plan
of Action on Ageing (MIPAA), Global Action on Aging
along with partners HelpAge International and the
Friedrich Ebert Foundation, and the support of
Department for Economic and Social Affairs organized a
two day roundtable on " Older Persons in the 2004
Tsunami." In Section 8, the
Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing
specifically addresses protecting older persons in
emergency situations. The Roundtable concluded with a
set of recommendations to strengthen MIPPA on the
protection of older persons in emergency situations.
Review of the First United Nations
Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006)
Report of the Secretary-General (December 12, 2005)
In
his report to the Social Development Commission, UN
Secretary-General Kofi Annan reviews and evaluates the
commitment and strategies for poverty eradication on
national and international levels. He also assesses
how well the UN and its Member States
coordinated their activities. He
highlights the obstacles and challenges for all
parties involved. The report mentions older persons
specifically in the context of HIV/AIDS and calls for
stronger social protection programs to support their
needs.
Modalities
for the Review and Appraisal of the Madrid International
Plan of Action on Ageing
Report of the Secretary-General (November 11, 2005)
In its
forty-second session, the Commission for Social
Development decided to carry out the review and
appraisal of the 2002 Madrid Plan of Action (MIPAA)
every five years. This report evaluates progress made on
the national, regional and international levels and
provides procedural suggestions to the Commission for
the five year review of MIPAA in 2007.
Forty-third session (February 2005)
The session was
devoted to the 10-year review and appraisal of the
decisions adopted at the Copenhagen World Social
Summit. Without focusing specifically on older
persons, the declaration adopted by the
Commission stated that governments recommit to
fostering just and safe societies based on promotion
and protection of all human rights, as well as
equality and participation of all, "including
disadvantaged and vulnerable groups and persons."
A parallel document adopted by the NGO
Forum stresses that "human rights apply equally and
indivisibly to all people across the life course" and
that "discrimination against persons of any age or
condition is unacceptable."
At the session, Global Action on Aging held a parallel
event entitled "Mainstreaming Older Persons' Issues:
How Can NGO's Help?" Please see the material on the
Side Event below.
Global Action on Aging Side Event
Photos
Mainstreaming
Older Persons' Issues: How
Can NGO's Help? (February 14, 2005)
At the 43rd session of the Commission for Social
Development, Global Action on Aging organized a Side-
Event. GAA asked speakers to point out "open doors" in
the ECOSOC functional commissions where NGO's could
bring the concerns and resources of older persons. This
leaflet lists Panelists and their topics.
NGO Report on an Effective
Mainstreaming Model with the Committee on the
Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)
(February 14, 2005)
Nancy Lewis of the NGO Commission on the Status of
Women's Sub-Committee on Older Women (SCOW), vividly
reported on how SCOW brought older women's issues to
the Expert Panel serving on the Committee on the
Elimination of Discrimination against Women. Her
experience and approach demonstrates a successful NGO
lobby effort. See Ms. Lewis talking points.
Integrating
Older Persons in the UN Human Rights Program
(February 14, 2005)
Laura Reanda, Coordinator for UN Projects, at the
International Human Rights Education Group discussed the
necessity to bring older persons onto the UN human
rights agenda. What would happen if the UN would handle
elder abuse not as a social problem, but as a human
rights violation? Reanda argues that "addressing
the issue in a human rights perspective not only raises
the level of seriousness with which the problem is
addressed, but also immediately brings into view issues
of responsibility and accountability under the existing
normative frameworks."
Mainstreaming the Concerns of Older
Persons into the Social Development Agenda (February
14, 2005)
In his presentation Robert Venne, Social Affairs
Officer at the UN Department on Economic and Social
Affairs (DESA), outlines DESA's strategy on
mainstreaming aging. He also gives background to
previous UN mainstreaming efforts, suggestions for
"successful mainstreaming" and examples of "good
mainstreaming practices." For his extensive position
paper with the same title, please click here.
Mainstreaming Aging: Key Operational
Challenges (February 14, 2005)
Dr. Ann Pawliczko, Senior Technical Advisor, UN
Population Fund (UNFPA), comments on challenges to
mainstreaming aging, such as the integration of older
persons issues into the development agenda, and
delineates UNFPA's response. She concludes that
governments, local communities, NGOs and the
international community have to work jointly to "respond
to the demographic changes ahead."
Forty-second
session (February 2004)
The Commission
continued its debate on modalities for R&A, based
on a further report by the Secretariat that
suggested an approach for review at the national,
regional and international levels.
At the session, a resolution 42/1
[p.16-17] the Commission decided to carry out the
review and appraisal of the Madrid Plan of Action
every five years (i.e., the first review will take
place in 2007). It also requested the
Secretary-General to propose guidelines for the
R&A process taking into account the views of
governments, civil society and the private sector, and
to make proposals for a specific theme emanating from
the Plan of Action for the first cycle.
At the session, Global Action on Aging held a parallel
event entitled "Protecting Older Persons in Armed
Conflict."
Forty-first
session (February 2003)
The Madrid International Plan of
Action on Ageing,
endorsed by the UN General Assembly, requested the
Commission to integrate the different dimensions of
population ageing in its work, and to give priority to
a consideration of the modalities for review and
appraisal (R&A) of implementation.
At its 41st session - the first held
after the Madrid conference - the Commission discussed
a report prepared by the
Secretariat which contains a number of recommendations
for future action by the Commission on this issue. The
report pays particular attention to the need to
integrate population ageing throughout the UN system,
and proposes that R&A take the form of a
"bottom-up" approach involving participation by all
relevant actors, governmental and non-governmental.
The
Commission recommended a
draft resolution [draft resolution IV,
p.10] for adoption by ECOSOC on the proposed
modalities for R&A, including the mainstreaming of
ageing issues at all levels and a fully participatory
process throughout.
Links
Commission
for Social Development
The Commission's website provides general information
and a link to the current as well as previous
sessions.
|
