General Scenario for the whole series

The Virtual Roundtable Series “Mainstreaming Knowledge on Ageing” began in 2022, bringing together partners and participants to assess the state of ageing and the human rights of older persons in its first year. The second year focused on access to justice, labor markets, political participation, healthcare, social services, and cultural and leisure activities. Last year, the series addressed the quality of life for older persons. This year's series will be the opportunity to learn on advancing the human rights of older persons in times of converging crises. We will address critical issues affecting older persons, including their right to work, healthcare, technology, legal protection, and food security in times of peace and war.

The human rights of older persons and frontier issues, such as the demographic worldwide scenario, gender, human mobility, digital divide, and climate change, will continue as the heart of our discussions. 

In our series, we consider national, regional, and international standards, as well as public policies, programs, and other initiatives as key learning elements. In the same vein, we envisage that heightening awareness of ICT/digital accessibility implementation from design is relevant to better understand how older persons can benefit from digital products and services as means to actively participate in political, cultural, and socio economic activities. By involving diverse stakeholders as co-sponsors, experts, speakers, and attendees, we aim to enhance discussions and build stronger synergies towards achieving our common goal.

In this endeavour, UNITAR and its International Training Centres for Authorities and Leaders -CIFAL Global Network-, UNDESA, UNFPA, IOM, UNWOMEN, UNHCR, WHO, OHCHR, ITU and ILO; together with the Group of Friends of the Human Rights of Older Persons UN Geneva; the Global Initiative on Ageing Foundation, GIA; the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuses; the International Longevity Centre; and the NGO Committee on Ageing Geneva; and the Harvard Law School Project on Disability, have joined efforts to put together this initiative as a contribution to inclusive learning in the framework of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing.

Background of the 1st event

The right to work is a fundamental human right, crucial for ensuring economic independence, dignity, and social participation. However, older migrants, refugees, and stateless persons often face compounded barriers that severely limit their ability to exercise this right. Beyond the already complex challenges of migration and displacement, these individuals encounter systemic ageism, restrictive labor market regulations, limited legal recognition, and inadequate access to social protection systems. These factors together create significant obstacles, preventing older displaced persons from achieving meaningful employment and fully contributing to their host societies.

Ageism, in particular, remains a pervasive barrier. Older individuals are frequently perceived as less adaptable, less productive, or technologically outdated, leading to exclusionary hiring practices. When combined with migration status or lack of nationality, this discrimination is often intensified.

Furthermore, legal and administrative hurdles — including lack of work authorization, recognition of prior qualifications, and language barriers — create a situation where older migrants, refugees, and stateless persons are pushed into informal, precarious, and exploitative forms of employment, undermining both their rights and their well-being.

Addressing these challenges is not only a matter of upholding international human rights standards but is also crucial for promoting the economic, social, and cultural inclusion of these groups. Facilitating access to fair work opportunities allows older displaced individuals to regain autonomy, contribute their skills and experience to their communities, and strengthen social cohesion. Ensuring the right to work also reduces vulnerabilities associated with poverty, marginalization, and dependency on limited public resources, while actively combating age-related stereotypes and discrimination.

This event seeks to deepen understanding of why the effective promotion and protection of the right to work for older migrants, refugees, and stateless persons is essential. It will highlight how targeted policies and inclusive labor practices can enhance economic security, preserve dignity, foster social inclusion, and recognize the valuable contributions of older people within society. By addressing these barriers, we can take important steps toward building more just, equitable, and resilient communities for all.

This first event, will take place on Thursday, at 09:30 NY/ 15:30 CET, on the 14th of May, 2025.