The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, has called for accelerated action toward the adoption of a legally binding international instrument on the rights of older persons.
Dr. Ojukwu made the appeal in Geneva at the February 2026 session of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) on the rights of older persons. The meeting was convened by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights during the ongoing session of the Human Rights Council.
Addressing delegates, the NHRC chief expressed concern over the persistent discrimination, neglect and violence faced by older persons globally. He underscored the urgency of developing an internationally binding framework to protect their rights and dignity.
Dr. Ojukwu aligned with other stakeholders in advocating conceptual clarity on ageism and the need for broad-based national consultations. He stressed that collaboration among National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), older persons and youth groups would be critical to the success of the proposed convention.
He urged participants to focus on building ownership of the process, avoiding abstract debates, and working toward a globally respected instrument that would serve both present and future generations.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to human rights obligations, Dr. Ojukwu assured the international community of the country’s continued engagement in advancing protections for vulnerable groups.
On procedural matters, he proposed that the IGWG’s Rules of Procedure draw from those of the Open-Ended Working Group, with necessary modifications to guide delegates effectively. He also suggested that friendly states or designated experts be tasked with preparing a draft text of the proposed instrument to serve as a foundation for consultations and negotiations ahead of the IGWG’s July 2026 meeting.
The NHRC Executive Secretary further emphasized that NHRIs and civil society actors must remain central to the process as the “conscience” of society. He advocated the adoption of hybrid meeting formats to enhance inclusive participation, particularly for older persons and relevant stakeholders.
Concluding his address, Dr. Ojukwu reiterated the importance of upholding the principles of “leave no one behind” and “nothing about us without us” in the global pursuit of strengthened human rights protections for older persons.
