EU Statement – UN General Assembly 3rd Committee: Interactive dialogue on Older Persons

EU Statement - UN General Assembly 3rd Committee: Interactive dialogue on Older Persons

9 October 2025, New York - European Union Statement at the United Nations General Assembly 80th Session Third Committee Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by Older Persons, Ms. Claudia Mahler

Thank you, Chair.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

As violent conflicts and wars around the globe continue to rise, older persons face unique and compounded challenges that too often go unaddressed. In times of peace, age-based discrimination leads to social exclusion, limited access to healthcare, and fewer opportunities for employment and social participation. However, in situations of armed conflict and humanitarian crises, this bias results in even graver consequences: heightened risks of unlawful attacks, arbitrary arrests, torture, violence, abuse - including sexual and gender-based violence - and the destruction of property.

Older persons, especially older women and those with disabilities, face compounded vulnerabilities due to the intersection of age, gender, and disability, including increased exposure to violence, exclusion from essential services, and neglect in emergency responses.

These overlapping vulnerabilities often result in their marginalisation in both humanitarian assistance and peacebuilding processes.

Humanitarian responses must address these intersecting factors to effectively meet their specific needs. The EU remains committed to integrating these vulnerabilities into our protection and assistance frameworks.

We are alarmed by the lack of comprehensive, disaggregated data on older persons affected by armed conflict. Accurate data collection is crucial for understanding the challenges, tailoring interventions, and monitoring progress effectively.

We thank the Independent Expert for her valuable recommendations to safeguard the human rights of older persons more effectively.

Madam Independent Expert, how can Member States effectively include older persons in conflict responses, humanitarian aid and peacebuilding efforts?

What specific steps are needed to effectively close the gaps of lacking data on older persons in situations of armed conflict, displacement and occupation?

How can we improve accessibility and inclusivity of evacuation plans?