A/HRC/RES/54/13
Taking note with appreciation of the report of the Independent Expert on the
enjoyment of all human rights by older persons on violence against and abuse and neglect of
older persons,1
Noting with appreciation the work of the special procedures of the Human Rights
Council on older persons, and taking note of the relevant reports of, inter alia, the Independent
Expert, the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls, the Special
Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of
physical and mental health, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities
and the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples,
Recognizing that older persons face a number of particular challenges in the
enjoyment of their human rights, including, among others, in the areas of prevention of and
protection against violence, abuse and neglect, social protection, food and housing, the right
to work and access to the labour market, equality and non-discrimination, access to justice,
new technologies, education, training, health support, long-term care and support, palliative
care, lifelong learning, participation, accessibility, equal pay for equal work, and unpaid care
work,
Emphasizing the importance of promoting inclusive, age-friendly communities and
environments and of providing a range of support services that promote the dignity,
autonomy and independence of older persons, to enable older persons to remain in their
homes as they age, with due regard to individual preferences,
Noting that new and emerging technologies, and assistive technology, while
respecting the autonomy of older persons, can enable and promote the inclusion, participation
and engagement of older persons in all areas of society, including the political, economic and
social spheres, which can be an important contributor in preventing violence against and
abuse and neglect of older persons,
Recognizing that ageism is a widely prevalent and prejudicial attitude that is a
significant risk factor for abuse of older persons, and that age stereotypes play a key role in
perpetuating abuse of older persons as well as in hindering their access to appropriate care
and support and their free, full, active, inclusive and meaningful participation in all public
decision-making processes, including the development of laws, policies and other measures
to address violence and abuse, and their access to remedies and redress,
Recognizing also that all forms of violence against and abuse and neglect of older
persons are pervasive around the world, and that an increase in violence against older persons
has been seen during ongoing crises, such as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic,
armed conflicts and climate change,
Noting with concern that violence against older persons remains overlooked and that
the limited understanding of the phenomenon has far-reaching consequences for the mental
and physical well-being of millions of older persons worldwide,
Noting the conclusions of the Independent Expert that “most definitions recognize
five forms of abuse of older persons, namely: (a) physical abuse; (b) psychological or
emotional abuse; (c) sexual abuse; (d) financial or material abuse; and (e) neglect”, and
noting also that “the Independent Expert recognizes an additional form, namely hate speech
against older persons”,2
Stressing that ageism and age discrimination are a root cause of and barrier to
effectively combating violence against and abuse and neglect of older persons,
Noting that all forms of violence against and abuse and neglect of older persons can
take place in all settings, including public and private settings, both online and offline,
Noting with concern that older women often face discrimination, including multiple
and intersecting forms of discrimination, and are at greater risk of violence, abuse and
1
2
2
A/HRC/54/26.
Ibid., para. 12.