Advocating the Rights of Older People on the Global Stage

This week, Kahir Lalji, CEO of HelpAge Canada, is in Geneva, Switzerland, attending the United Nations Human Rights Council’s 58th session (#HRC58). At this critical event, HelpAge Canada proudly stands with Canadian and global advocates, policymakers, and civil society leaders to push for stronger protections that uphold the dignity and rights of older people, in Canada and worldwide.

Ageing Well Matters

Ageing is a human rights issue—yet older people across Canada and globally continue to face systemic exclusion, discrimination, and barriers to full participation in society. Lalji adds, “With growing geopolitical uncertainty, economic pressures, and social inequities disproportionately affecting older populations, we must act boldly and collectively to ensure that ageing well is recognized as a priority human rights issue.”  

For Our Part, HelpAge Canada Remains Committed To: 

✅ Ensuring older people are included in Canadian and international policies 
✅ Challenging ageism and addressing abuse, neglect, and social isolation issues 
✅ Strengthening the community-based seniors services’ (CBSS) sector across Canada

Help Us Take Bold, Collective Action  

HelpAge Canada is a registered charity with a Canadian focus and global reach. We are exclusively dedicated to supporting community-based organizations and the older people they serve. At #UNHRC58, HelpAge Canada joins HelpAge International, and other leading experts to advocate for bold, collective action in protecting and advancing the rights of older people.  

Kahir Lalji, CEO, HelpAge Canada (left), with Claudia Mahler, appointed by the UN Human Rights Council as Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons; Margaret Gillis, founding President of the International Longevity Centre Canada; and Cherian Mathews, CEO, HelpAge International.  

At #HRC58: Global campaigning for a new UN convention on the rights older persons.