The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), through its Executive Secretary Dr. Tony Ojukwu , has called for urgent international action to protect the rights of older persons.
Speaking at the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) on the rights of older persons during the Human Rights Council session in Geneva, Dr. Ojukwu highlighted the discrimination, neglect, and violence faced by older persons globally.
He stressed the need for clear definitions on ageism, robust national consultations, and collaboration with NHRIs, civil society organizations, older persons, and youth to ensure a strong and widely supported convention.
Dr. Ojukwu proposed drafting the instrument with the help of friendly states or experts to guide negotiations ahead of the IGWG’s July 2026 meeting. He also called for hybrid meeting formats to ensure maximum participation and emphasized society’s “conscience” role for NHRIs and civil society.
Closing his address, he reiterated the principles: “leave no one behind” and “nothing about us without us,” reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to human rights domestically and internationally.
