THE elderly deserve specific human rights enshrined in law — just as children do, MPs are demanding.
More than 40 politicians from across the Commons want Foreign Secretary David Lammy to back a new international law on “the rights of older persons”.
The UN treaty would create a “global minimum standard of legal protections for older people” to “ensure their rights are protected”.
There are currently global laws for safeguarding kids, women and asylum seekers – but nothing of a similar magnitude discusses the rights of pensioners.
The treaty is being championed by charity Age UK and has support across the political divide.
In their letter to Mr Lammy, the MPs say: “We have much to be proud of in the United Kingdom when it comes to respecting and protecting older persons.
“From institutions such as the NHS, which offers comprehensive care from cradle to grave, to our state pension system.
“Indeed, it is a point of pride for many in the UK that if one has worked their life, then as they age, they can expect to enjoy security in their older years.
“As a nation that upholds these values and institutions, it is only right that we offer our support to this new United Nations Convention on the Rights of Older Persons.”
The elderly deserve specific human rights enshrined in law, MPs are demanding[/caption]
