𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚 c𝐨-l𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 a𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 l𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 h𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 r𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 c𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 r𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬

The resolution establishes an Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group (OEIGWG) mandated to elaborate a legally binding international instrument on the human rights of older persons.

Adopted by consensus on 3rd April 2025 and co-sponsored by over 70 Member States, the resolution marks a significant step forward in the global endeavour to address the persistent protection gaps affecting older persons. It follows the conclusion of the UN General Assembly’s Open-ended Working Group on Ageing, which, after 14 sessions of inclusive and wide-ranging dialogue, recommended the development of such an instrument.

As a State Party to the African Union Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons, The Gambia regards this initiative as a continuation of its national and regional commitments to promoting and safeguarding the rights and dignity of older persons.

The next stage of this important process will proceed at the United Nations in New York, where Member States will commence intergovernmental negotiations on the draft treaty text. The Gambia reaffirms its readiness to engage constructively and in good faith throughout this process, and remains firmly committed to advancing the global human rights agenda in a spirit of multilateral cooperation.