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UN Economic Commission for Latin America
and the Caribbean
The
UN Economic and Social Commission for Latin
America and the Caribbean (UNECLAC) helps put the ideas
from the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA) into
effect. Besides creating the framework for
initiatives, UNECLAC sets up conferences, meetings and training
sessions for regional governmental and intergovernmental groups. Within
UNECLAC, the population and development unit (CELADE) assumes
responsibility for MIPAA’s implementation and follow-up. Biennially,
the unit’s Ad Hoc Committee on Population and Development meets to
review the progress of each member country and set new goals for the
next two years. This page compiles UNECLAC’s reports on MIPAA
implementation and provides links to further research.
Documents | Articles | Links
Documents
Report:
International Forum on the Rights of Older Persons (March 26-28,
2012)
(Report in Spanish)
In late March, the Population Division of ECLAC (Economic Commission
for Latin America and the Caribbean) and the government of Mexico City
held an International Forum on the Rights of Older Persons. Among the
topics addressed at the Forum were equality, discrimination, neglect
and abuse, quality of life, social services, elder participation in
public and political life and advances made toward elder rights.
Because older people face a myriad of age-related obstacles, the Forum
concluded that future human rights conventions should take into account
the particular circumstances of older persons and advocate for their
rights, as their needs are age-specific.
Report: Latin
America
and the Caribbean: The Challenges of International Protection of Human
Rights of Older Persons (March 22, 2010)
(Report in Spanish)
This CELADE report reviews the situation regarding human rights
international law and older persons on and international and regional
levels. Currently there are various theoretical and policy
considerations on the human rights of specific groups, with special
attention to the rights of older people. This report presents arguments
justifying the adoption of an international convention and the
appointment of a special rapporteur.
Latin
America: Moving Towards a Convention for the Rights of Older Persons
(October 12, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
On October 1-2, more than 240 representatives of nine
countries from Latin America and the Caribbean met in ECLAC
headquarters in Santiago, Chile, to discuss the challenges and
strategies for achieving an International Convention to Promote the
Human Rights of Older Persons. The participants analyzed the situation
facing older persons in the Latin American and Caribbean region. One of
their many conclusions included the likelihood that increases in
longevity of older persons in poverty situations will lead to increased
economic, social, political and cultural problems.
Report on Third Follow Up to the Brasilia Declaration of 2007 Calling
for a UN Convention or a Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Older
Person (October 6, 2009)
Susanne Paul, GAA President, was invited to join
government experts and NGOs from Latin America to discuss the
possibility of a regional convention for older persons. Susanne Paul
described to the participants the world-wide NGO aging movement and
gave special attention to the NY NGO Committee in Ageing’s Subcommittee
to Promote a Human Rights Convention. She described the intent of the
Subcommittee to educate its constituencies about the history of human
rights activism as well as offer basic education around what a
convention can accomplish, to describe the processes leading to
adoption and to involve world citizens in the debate.
Report: Chile: Reasons for the III Follow up Meeting of the Brasilia
Declaration for the Rights of Older Persons- Presentation of Paula
Forttes Valdivia, Director of the National Service for Older Persons
(October 5 and 6, 2009)
(Report also available in Spanish)
Paula Forttes Valdivia, Director of the National Service for
Older Persons (SENAMA) and primary organizer of the III Follow up
Meeting held in Chile, described the reality of older people who now
have become a priority group for Social Protection Policies. She also
listed the reasons to advance a Convention for the Rights of Older
Persons, saying that governments must put aging issues into their
public policies. They must respond to the vulnerability of older
persons. They need to create legal mechanisms to promote and protect
the human rights of older persons, Forttes Valdivia emphasized.
Report: Chile: Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Instruments and
Obligations of the Countries in Relation to Older Persons- (October 5
and 6, 2009)
(Report also available in Spanish)
Read this presentation of Dirk Jaspers-Faijer, director
of the Demographic Center for Latin America and the Caribbean,
Population Division of CEPAL, at the III Follow up meeting of the
Brasilia Declaration for the Rights of Older Persons. He outlined the
main themes to be taken up at the Chilean event. The Director began
with the definition of economic, cultural and social rights of all
people and the obligation of all countries to protect these rights.
Jaspers-Faijer focused on the central theme: to recognize older persons
as a group with special interests that require the adoption of an
International Convention for the Rights of Older Persons.
Report: Chile: Presentation of Mónica Roqué, Director of
the National Policy of Older Persons at the Ministry of Social
Development, Argentina, at III Follow up Meeting of the Brasilia
Declaration for the Rights of Older Persons (October 5 and 6, 2009)
(Report also available in Spanish)
Mónica Roqué began her presentation with
statistics describing the process of population aging today and in the
future. In 2007, 10.7 per cent of the world population was 60 years or
older, while it is estimated that in 2050 the per cent will increase up
to 21.7. Also, it is estimated that that the pace of increase among the
older population will be faster in Latin America and the Caribbean than
any other region. The report reveals the risks associated with an aging
population and the need to work on a UN Convention to guarantee the
rights of older persons and in particular, their economic security,
social and political protection and healthcare.
Report: Chile: Towards a Universal/Regional Convention for the Human
Rights and Fundamental Liberties of Older Persons (October 5 and 6,
2009)
(Report also available in Spanish)
This Presentation of the Pan American Health Organization
at the III Follow up meeting of the Brasilia Declaration for the Rights
of Older Persons focused on human rights. PAHO lawyer Javier Vasquez
pointed out the existing international instruments and mandates for
protection of older persons. He demonstrated that all existing regional
and international instruments can contribute to the adoption of an
International Convention or a Special Rapporteur to protect the human
rights of older persons.
Chile: Conclusions of the Third Anniversary Meeting on the Brasilia
Declaration (October 5-6, 2009)
(Article also available in Spanish)
Representatives of countries participating in the Third Anniversary
meeting following the adoption of the Brasilia Declaration for the
Rights of Older Persons that was held in Santiago, Chile, October 5-6,
confirmed the need to establish a strategy based upon participation and
consensus. Also, the participating governments were urged to ask their
Missions in Washington, DC, to call for a special session of experts
and representatives of governments to discuss the feasibility of an
Inter-American Convention on the “Rights of Older Persons.”
Chile:
Ageing
with
Rights:
Principles and Strategies for the Civil Society of
Latin America and the Caribbean (October 2009)
(Report in Spanish)
During the Third Follow-up Conference of the Brasilia
Declaration on the Rights of Older Persons, the leaders of
participating NGOs agreed to undertake new tasks. This report presents
a regional strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean to implement
measures to help Older Persons.
Latin America and Caribbean: Interview with Dirk Jaspers-Faijer
(October 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Dirk Jaspers-Faijer, director of Economic Commission for Latin America
and the Caribbean, affirmed the growing awareness of aging as an
important issue for society and its development. He highlighted the
notable advances that the governments and people have put into action
throughout Latin American and the Caribbean that benefit older persons.
Although there are still enormous challenges ahead, he said that older
persons and the organizations that represent them are gaining more and
more prominence locally and on the national scene.
Argentina: Interview with Mónica Roqué (October
2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Mónica Roqué, national director of Politics for
Older Adults of the Department of Social Development of Argentina,
reported that in Argentina the paradigm of the rights of older persons
has been installed vigorously. Older people are taking part in many
organizations dedicated to their interests. Roqué shared that
Argentina has drawn on international law to demonstrate that Latin
America and the Caribbean needs a binding legal instrument that
protects older persons.
Chile: Interview with Paula Forttes Valdivia (October 2009)
(Article in Spanish)Paula Forttes Valdivia, director
of Senama, a large Chile-based advocacy group promoting the rights of
older persons, emphatically stated that the aging population
constitutes a reality that cannot be ignored. Furthermore, the
demographic data and the requirements unique to older people dictate
that their rights and needs be recognized.
Argentina: To Attain the
Full Exercise of the Rights of Older Persons (May 28, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Argentina hosted the “Second Meeting on the Follow-up of the Brasilia
Declaration” on May 21st and 22nd. At the invitation of the Argentine
Ministry of Social Development, representatives from 22 countries in
Latin America and the Caribbean convened for this important meeting.
They discussed important goals for any aging rights document, including
full and effective participation and inclusion of older persons in
society, equality of opportunities, the recognition of the links and
commonalities among people that draw them together as members of a
shared community. Interestingly, Argentina raised the issue of older
persons in an international setting for the first time in 1948 as an
initiative of Eva Duarte de Perón, when she addressed the
General Assembly Meeting of the United Nations.
Report:
Argentina:
2nd
Meeting
of the Brasilia Declaration: Towards a
Convention on the Rights of Older Persons (May 21 and 22, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Buenos Aires was the seat of the 2nd Meeting of the Brasilia
Declaration towards a Convention on the Rights of Older Persons held on
May 21st and 22nd of 2009. Representatives of governments,
organizations focused on older persons, civil society, and
international agencies of various countries attended the meeting to
discuss developments and challenges in the aging field. The meeting was
divided into panels in which all participants underscored the need to
establish a strategic and binding frame that will guide policies
towards older persons while respecting individual cultures. They also
stressed that the participation of civil society, including that of
older persons, is essential in the creation of a Convention, following
the belief that human rights always need to be made from the grassroots
up.
Report: World: Second
Follow-Up Meeting of the Brasilia Declaration Towards a Convention on
the Rights of Older Persons (May 21-22, 2009)
(Also available in Spanish)
Thanks to the Argentine government’s efforts towards a Convention for
the promotion and protection of the rights of older persons,
representatives from 22 countries from within and without the region
met in May. This report highlights demographic ageing and shows how
every country in the world has experienced changes in the distribution
of its population by age, even in the midst of regional differences.
During the meeting, the group agreed on fundamental principles and some
minimum items that must guide a future Convention.
Report: Argentina: Government
Participation in Buenos Aires Meeting (May 20-21, 2009)
On May 20-21, 2009, experts met in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to discuss
a potential Regional Human Rights Convention on Ageing. The
International Relations Minister from the Argentine Republic came,
along with peers from other Latin and Caribbean nations. The experts
shared ideas about important features of a Human Rights Convention. The
Argentine government provided a document for participants to discuss.
At the meeting’s conclusion, governments agreed to meet again in
November 2009. GAA’s reporter, Beth Hernandes, concluded that the
participants, both government and NGOs, increasingly favor a Regional
Human Rights Convention. (GAA will send more news about the Buenos
Aires Second Follow-up Meeting on the Brasilia Declaration in coming
weeks.
Report: Latin
America: ECLAC’s Book 100: Ageing, human rights and public policies
(April 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)
released a book examining the ageing phenomenon from the demographic
perspective, the guaranteeing of human rights in old-age, and the
public policies that the countries of the region are currently
employing. The book looks at the status of older persons in terms of
income security, access to health and inclusive environments. Research
further inspects the impacts of population ageing on social pension
systems, health and social services, and even touches upon the
legislative rights of older persons in the region. The information is
all tied together in the conclusion with an emphasis on the need to
move forward in adapting policy responses to the demographic panorama
of the coming decades.
Chile: Maltreatment
and Abuse of Older Persons in the Southern Cone, a Question of Rights
(October 9, 2008)
(Report in Spanish)
The director of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the
Caribbean presented the issue of abuse and violence towards older
persons as a violation of human rights. He focused on the effects of
physical and psychological abuse on older persons as well as why they
are generally the ones being targeted. He made people aware that older
persons should be treated with respect, and that discrimination and
abuse should be eliminated according to the Madrid International Plan
of Action on Ageing. Finally, all type of abuse on older persons should
be considered as an issue of human rights.
Panama: Stages of the Future on Aging in Panama: Intergenerational
Family and Solidarity. (October 6, 2008)
(Report in Spanish)
According to ECLAC and the United Nations Population Fund, an
investigation was conducted in Panama to consider the possible future
for older persons. They discussed issues such as economic security,
health, and the environment for older people. The results compared the
current situation with expectations for the future. The Ministry of
Social Development in Panama organized this event.
ECLAC Follow up Meeting on
the December 2007 Brasilia Declaration (September 16-17, 2008)
Global Action on Aging had the privilege to be invited to the ECLAC
Follow up Meeting on the December 2007 Brasilia Declaration, in
September 2008. The Government of Brazil’s Aging Human Rights Office
organized and hosted the session in Rio de Janeiro. Its purpose was
clear: to draw up principles that would lead to the creation of a
Special Rapporteur who would (1) document the situation of older
persons’ rights worldwide and (2) develop evidence to advance
consideration of a Human Rights Convention at the United Nations.
Susanne Paul, GAA President spoke during the sessions about ongoing
efforts to ensure the human rights of older persons, including the need
for a Convention. You can read the full speech in English or in Spanish. A full report of
the Rio meeting is also available in
English or Spanish.
Finally,
the
picture
gallery is available here.
Resolution 644 (XXXII) Population
and Development: Priority Activities for 2008-2010 (June 13, 2008)
(Report in Spanish)
During the second period of sessions of ECLAC, members of the Third
Committee of ECLAC issued this resolution concerning aging and
development. The resolution highlights the importance of the Brazil
Declaration and the need to incorporate its principles into public
policy, research, and human rights deliberations. The resolution
requests meetings to discuss issues raised in the Brazil Declaration
and in particular protecting elderly rights. It also requests the
Secretariat continue supporting ECLAC countries in their efforts to
further implement the Declaration and the Madrid International Plan of
Action on Aging.
Social
Rights
and
Aging:
Modalities and Perspectives for Ensuring their
Respect in Latin America (December 2007)
(Report in Spanish)
This ECLAC report discusses the challenges different Latin American
countries face as their populations continue to age. In some regions,
the elderly are exposed to extreme poverty because of the lack of
programs advocating for their rights. This report references past
documents on aging and highlights sections that emphasize the
government’s responsibility to enact public policies which guarantee
elderly rights. It also analyzes the relation between aging and
economic, social, and cultural rights in terms of the outlook for the
future.
Brasilia
Declaration:
Outcome
of the Second Regional Intergovernmental
Conference on Ageing in Latin America and the Caribbean (December 2007)
Between December 4 and 6, 2007, representatives of Latin America and
the Caribbean gathered in Brasilia to identify the future priorities
for implementing MIPAA in the region. Representatives adopted the
Brasilia Declaration as a strong outcome of this Conference. Indeed, in
points 25 and 26, the representatives pledge Governments to “promote
the drafting of a convention on the rights of older persons within the
framework of the United Nations.” This represents a first step towards
a Human Rights Convention on Ageing!
The Declaration
of San Salvador (November 2007)
(Also available in Spanish)
The San Salvador Declaration seeks to “build a society for all ages.”
The declaration addresses the need for programs that integrate elderly
rights and concerns into countries’ larger economic and social
policies, especially in light of the growing size of the elderly
population. It also hopes to raise awareness about issues affecting
older people and eliminate age-based discrimination. In addition, it
emphasizes the importance of taking all necessary measures to fully
implement the Madrid Plan of Action.
Chile:
International Seminar “The Way to Madrid” (April 19-20, 2007)
(Article in Spanish)
An international seminar, “The way to Madrid,” took place at the ECLAC,
Chile, on April 19-20. Organizers wanted to review and evaluate the
Madrid International Plan of Ageing (MIPAA) five years after its
creation. A declaration was approved, and signed by Latin American
organizations attending the seminar, calling for the creation of an
International Convention on the Human Rights of Older Persons. The
Seminar’s review s showed that the concerns and issues affecting older
persons don’t appear sufficiently on national agendas. It is necessary
to implement and execute MIPAA to help old people who suffer from the
denial of their human rights.
Report of the Secretariat MIPAA + 5 (March 20-24, 2006)
In this presentation to the ECLAC Ad Hoc
Committee on Population and Development, José Miguel
Guzmán, ECLAC focal point on ageing, outlines the main decisions
taken by the UN system in implementing MIPAA. Guzman also details
preparations necessary for the upcoming review of MIPAA in 2007, MIPAA
+ 5. In the period of 2006 -2008, ECLAC will assist member countries in
preparing and implementing “national appraisal plans,” preparing
national reports evaluating MIPAA process, and drawing up regional
reports for the Commission on Social Development.
Report of the Meeting of Experts
on Ageing Second Central American and Caribbean Forum on Policies for
Older Persons ( November 10-12, 2004)
As part of the follow-up of the Regional Implementation Strategy of the
Madrid International Plan of Action on Aging, adopted in Santiago de
Chile in 2003, this expert group meeting brought together
representatives of Latin American governments and the Spanish-speaking
Caribbean, as well as by experts from international organizations, the
academic world and civil society organizations. This report summarizes
presentations of the meeting that outline older persons’ socio-economic
situations in respective countries and advances made to implement the
Madrid Plan. Please visit the website
of the meeting for links to more documents and previous
meetings.
Population,
Ageing and Development (June 22, 2004)
This document, presented for UNECLAC’s Ad
Hoc Committee on Population and Development, briefly reports on the
outcome of the Regional Intergovernmental Conference on Ageing held in
November 2003. This conference adopted the Regional Strategy for the
Implementation in Latin America and the Caribbean of the Madrid
International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA). The report notes that
the adoption of a regional strategy to implement MIPAA encouraged the
formulation of national policies on aging. Despite progress, obstacles
persist, such as a lack of knowledge on the situation of older persons
and aging within countries.
Regional Strategy for the
Implementation in Latin America and the Caribbean of the Madrid
International Plan of Action on Ageing (November 19-21, 2003)
The strategy adopted by the Regional
Intergovernmental Conference on Ageing held in Santiago, Chile,
establishes goals and develops recommendations for the regional
implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing. By
defining three priority areas - older persons and development, health
and well being during old age and the creation of a supportive
environment - the strategy serves as a general framework for countries
to address the needs and interests of older persons. Signatory
governments agreed to define mechanisms of implementation, follow-up
within a time frame of six months and review their progress at
UNECLAC’s annual session in 2006.
Report of
the Regional Intergovernmental Conference on Ageing: Towards a Regional
Strategy for the Implementation in Latin America and the Caribbean of
the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (November 19-21, 2003)
This report of the Intergovernmental Conference, which adopted the
Regional Implementation Strategy of the Madrid Plan, summarizes
presentations and statements made by participants. Thirty regional
government delegations attended the meeting along with representatives
from UN agencies, non- governmental organizations and several special
guests from older persons’ organizations and academia.
Articles
Mexico:
ECLAC
Estimates
Latin
American Elder Population Increase to 180 Million
by 2050 (March 27, 2012)
(Article in Spanish)
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)
estimated that in Mexico the Latin American and Caribbean elder
population will increase from 57 million to 180 million by 2050. This
is primarily due to the fact that people in the region are living
longer; in 2010 the average age of seniors was 75, whereas in 1950 it
was 51. An increase in the population of Latin American and Caribbean
persons aged 65 and over is likely to surpass that of children by 2040.
Dirk Jasper, Director of Celade (A Division of ECLAC), acknowledges
that there is age discrimination in the region but continues to
advocate for elder rights and more accessible health services.
Uruguay:
UNECLAC Predicts Fast Aging in the Region (March 24, 2006)
(Article in Spanish)
Representatives from UNECLAC’s Committee on Population and Development
met in Montevideo, Uruguay, to discuss the implementation of the Madrid
International Plan on Aging. José Miguel Guzmán,
UNECLAC’s aging focal point, highlighted the increasing number of older
persons in Latin America. By the year 2050 UNECLAC predicts that there
will be 184 million older adults in the region. Guzmán
recommends preparing for this phenomenon by investing in social
security and incorporating older persons as active participants in
development.
Links
National Aging
Focal Points of the UN Economic and Commission for Latin America and
the Caribbean's Member States - Latin America (March 2007)
Responding to ECLAC's regional
implementation strategy for MIPAA, 19 Latin American ECLAC Member
States thus far designated focal points on aging in national
ministries. (Source: UN NGLS)
ECLAC - Population Division (CELADE) (Site in
Spanish)
This link provides information on ECLAC’s
involvement in the Second World Assembly on Ageing and MIPAA follow-up.
You can also find updated information on ECLAC publications, events and
projects on the topic.
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