Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) commissioner Andrew Kavala has called on African nations to lead in a global movement promoting the rights and dignity of older persons.
Speaking at the 85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in The Gambia, Kavala said older persons are rights holders whose contributions to families, communities and nations are invaluable.
Kavala, who represents southern Africa on the ACHPR’s Technical Working Group on the rights of older persons and persons with disabilities, described ageing as ‘a right-bearing stage of life to be respected and protected’.
“The African Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons, which came into force on 4 November 2024, is the world’s first binding human rights treaty dedicated exclusively to older persons,” he said.
The Malawi Network of Older Persons Organisations (Manepo) executive director, therefore, urged African Union member states to fast-track ratification, domestication and implementation of the Protocol.
“The civil society and development partners have to build capacity for enforcement and accountability, while positioning the Protocol as a foundation for the emerging UN treaty on older persons’ rights,” he added.
The 10-day session, which opened on October 21, brought together AU officials, member state representatives, human rights institutions, civil society actors and development partners to consolidate Africa’s leadership on ageing rights.
Del egates reaf f i rmed the continent’s commitment to justice, equality and human dignity.
Meanwhile, ACHPR elected Senegalese lawyer and judge Idrissa Sow as its new chairperson, with Hatem Essaiem as vice chair.
Also in attendance were Youth and Society (YAS) executive director Charles Kajoloweka and Legal Aid Bureau (LAB) director Chimwemwe Chithope-Mwale.
