Addressing the first session of the Open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group on the Human Rights of Older Persons, held in Geneva, representative of Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva Farzaneh Bani Asad Azad emphasized respect for the dignity and societal contributions of older persons, highlighted the disproportionate impact of unilateral coercive measures on their well-being, and reaffirmed Iran's commitment to working with other delegations toward a practical and effective international treaty protecting their rights.
What follows is the text of her speech:
Mr. Chair Rapporteur,
Iran welcomes the convening of the first session of the Intergovernmental Working Group and appreciates the opportunity to contribute to the discussion on a future legally binding instrument on the human rights of older persons.
At the outset, we wish to stress that, in many cultures, especially in Eastern societies, older persons are respected members of society. They pass on knowledge, wisdom and experience from one generation to another. They play an important role in families and communities. Therefore, any future instrument should be based on respect for their dignity and contribution to society.
We also reaffirm the value of every human life and reject any approach that weakens the protection of life and the dignity of older persons.
Mr. Chair,
As we discuss the rights of older persons, we should also recognize the different situations faced by developing countries. Many of these countries have a large young population that needs jobs, housing and education, while at the same time they must respond to the growing needs of older persons. With limited national resources, this challenge cannot be addressed without stronger international cooperation.
In this regard, we wish to highlight the harmful effects of unilateral coercive measures (UCMs), including economic and financial sanctions. Such measures undermine the right to development of affected countries, weaken their health systems, and limit their ability to provide adequate health and care services for older persons. They also restrict access to essential medicines, medical equipment, assistive devices, supportive technologies and other basic goods needed by older persons. As a result, they directly affect the health, dignity and quality of life of older persons.
The future instrument should therefore recognize not only the obligation of States to protect the rights of older persons within their own countries, but also their obligation to refrain from actions that harm the rights of older persons in other countries. States should ensure that their policies and measures do not hinder the enjoyment of human rights in other countries.
Mr. Chair,
We remain committed to working with all delegations to develop a balanced, practical and effective instrument that effectively protects the rights and dignity of older persons.
Thank you.