On a recent session at the United Nations Human Rights Council, China presented a joint statement on behalf of nearly 80 countries, urging stronger and more inclusive social security for the aging population. The aim was clear: as the world’s population ages, existing support systems must be reassessed and reinforced to meet new realities and needs.
According to Chen Xu, who represents China at the UN Geneva office, aging is advancing globally and the gaps in social protection are becoming more visible. These gaps include concerns over the long-term sustainability of social security policies, uneven access to elder care across regions, and the persistence of age-based discrimination that affects older people in everyday life. This framing highlights not just financial support, but dignity, participation, and equal access to services for seniors.
The joint statement emphasizes that the right to social security is essential to uphold human dignity for everyone who cannot fully enjoy their rights due to age or related conditions. It argues that social protection should be universal, ensuring that older adults can live with autonomy, respect, and meaningful engagement in their communities.
It was underscored that improving social security systems and safeguarding the human rights of older people must be a priority for all nations. The statement calls for concrete policy actions to address barriers faced by the elderly and to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of secure livelihoods and access to essential services.
In addressing member states, the speaker urged governments to adopt practical measures that strengthen pension schemes, health coverage, and social care networks. The focus is on building resilient systems that can withstand demographic shifts and economic pressures, while expanding reach to marginalized older populations and ensuring accessibility for all, regardless of location or socioeconomic status.
Concrete steps proposed include expanding caregiver support, enhancing community-based care options, and creating inclusive environments that enable older people to participate fully in social, economic, and civic life. The aim is to protect older persons from poverty, neglect, and isolation, while promoting opportunities for continued learning, engagement, and contribution to society.
The statement concludes with a call to respect, protect, and guarantee the human rights of older people. It asserts that a dignified life for seniors is not a privilege but a fundamental standard that benefits families, communities, and nations alike. The message reinforces that a society that values its elders is one that safeguards human rights for all and upholds shared standards of fairness and inclusion.