GCC Pushes for Elderly Rights: A Call to End Age Discrimination

Geneva: Representatives from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) urged stronger global action on aging during the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Speaking in Geneva, they called for better social protection, greater respect for rights, and an end to stereotypes that continue to hold back older people.

Ambassador Nasser Al Hain of Kuwait, who chairs the GCC Council of Ambassadors, urged all nations to ensure that elderly persons enjoy full participation in society through policies that recognize their dignity, skills, and experience. He noted that age-based discrimination in workplaces and social systems remains a major obstacle that needs urgent attention.

One of the strongest points raised was the need to focus on empowerment rather than pity. GCC members emphasized that older people are not just recipients of care but active contributors who bring value through wisdom, expertise, and community involvement. To achieve this, they highlighted the importance of awareness campaigns, legal frameworks, and better social services that allow older persons to live fulfilling lives.

Key Measures GCC Countries Highlight

  • Strengthening social protection systems such as pensions and welfare so that older people have financial security.

  • Enacting and enforcing laws to prohibit age discrimination in employment, healthcare, and public life.

  • Ensuring access to health services, psychological support, housing, legal protection, and other basic needs.

  • Encouraging the use of respectful terminology and promoting dignity through culture and tradition. For example, Qatar has instructed institutions to refer to older persons as people of “high standing” rather than simply “elderly.”

Progress and Challenges

GCC nations pointed to laws, programs, and educational initiatives already introduced in their countries to protect the rights of older persons. However, they admitted that negative stereotyping and exclusion are still common. Ageism, limited involvement of older persons in decision-making, and inconsistent application of protections remain major challenges.

There is also growing support at the international level for more binding commitments. In 2025, United Nations member states reached a consensus to begin drafting a treaty on the rights of older persons. Such a treaty could help unify standards, clarify obligations, and ensure accountability worldwide.

Why It Matters

The world is experiencing a demographic shift as life expectancies rise and birth rates fall. The share of older persons in societies is steadily growing. Without forward-looking policies, many elderly people may face poverty, isolation, discrimination, or poor access to healthcare.

In the GCC region, respecting elders has long been part of cultural and family traditions. Yet modern challenges such as healthcare costs, the digital divide, and limited social infrastructure call for new responses. GCC countries say they remain committed to action but stress that international cooperation and sharing of best practices are essential to achieve real progress.

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