United Nation 2016

A series of experts outlined the prevalence of ageism in the workplace, in hospitals and in long-term care facilities. Speakers at the Side-event included members of 4 faculties of the University of Ottawa in the presence of the Canadian Ambassador to the UN Marc-André Blanchard. They highlighted the ongoing impact of ageism on older Canadians and the need to establish a UN Convention on the Rights of the older person. 

Speakers included:

• Mr. Marc-André Blanchard, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations
• Ms. Rosa Kornfel-Matte, the first Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of all Human Rights by Older persons appointed by the UN Human Rights Council. 
• Dr. Martine Lagacé, Associate Professor in the Department of Communication and the School of Psychology, University of Ottawa.  
• Dr. Kiran Rabheru, Geriatric Psychiatrist, Professor, University of Ottawa and member of the Board of Directors of the International Longevity Centre Canada
• Dr. Linda Garcia, Director of the LIFE Research Institute, University of Ottawa
• Mr. Gordon DiGiacomo, Senior Fellow at the Centre of Governance, University of Ottawa
• Dr. Alexandre Kalache, Co-President of the International Longevity Centre – Global Alliance and President of ILC-Brazil 

There is ample evidence that these Conventions change people’s lives (for instance the Convention on the Rights of the Child have led to a 25% drop in child labour). Conventions ensure that governments are accountable to make changes for groups of persons impacted by negative stereotyping such as sexism and ageism.

Watch the event on UN Web TV