As Asia emerges as the epicenter of global aging, the Southeast Asia National Human Rights Institutions Forum (SEANF) has made elder rights a core focus under Myanmar’s chairmanship (MNHRC), implementing commitments from its 12th Annual Meeting.
Why This Matters Now:
🌏 Demographic Emergency
- By 2050: Older persons (2 billion) will outnumber children (<15) globally
- Asia houses the world’s largest aging population
- Current systems unprepared for this seismic shift
🛡️ Critical Rights at Stake
- Social protection & adequate living standards
- Freedom from discrimination
- Dignity & personal integrity
- Access to healthcare & care services
📜 Global Framework Gaps
While international instruments exist:
→ 1982 Vienna Plan of Action
→ 1991 UN Principles for Older Persons
→ 2002 Madrid Plan of Action
SEANF recognizes the urgent need for regional implementation
SEANF’s Strategic Response:
1️⃣ Dedicated discussions at all Technical Working Group Meetings
2️⃣ Comparative analysis of members’ national approaches
3️⃣ Development of region-specific solutions
4️⃣ Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals
Participating NHRIs:
- Indonesia (Komnas HAM)
- Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
- Myanmar (MNHRC)
- Philippines (CHRP)
- Thailand (NHRCT)
- Timor-Leste (PDHJ)
As longevity reshapes our societies, SEANF is pioneering rights-based frameworks to ensure no older person is left behind.