The United Nations Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons, Claudia Mahler will conduct an official visit to Nigeria from 29 August to 9 September 2022.
“As the most populous country in Africa, Nigeria’s population is increasingly ageing, and older persons are projected to represent a significant portion of the society by 2050,” the expert said.
“During this visit, I look forward to learning more about Nigeria’s legal framework, policies and strategies in relation to older persons and how it addresses the human rights concerns of its ageing population. I am particularly interested in discussing the Older Persons (Rights and Privileges) Bill that aims to address current social and economic challenges faced by older persons,” she added.
The Independent Expert will assess social security and protection, care provision, elder abuse, age discrimination and ageism, and their meaningful participation in the labour force and in public space during her visit. She will focus on older persons’ rights in specific contexts including humanitarian and emergency situations related to conflict and climate change. “I will focus particularly on older persons facing multiple forms of discrimination, including older women, older refugees and internally displaced persons and older persons with disabilities,” Mahler said.
The expert, who is visiting Nigeria at the invitation of the Government, will hold discussions in Abuja, Ibadan, Lagos and Makurdi with government representatives, UN officials and civil society organisations working with older persons.
The expert will hold a press conference at the end of her visit, on Friday 9 September 2022 at 2 pm (WAT) at the Reiz Continental Hotel in Abuja, to share her preliminary observations. Access will be strictly limited to journalists.
She will present a full report of her country visit to the Human Rights Council in September 2023.