Är tiden kommen för de äldre? : En argumentationsanalys av för-argumentationen för en FN-konvention för äldre personers rättigheter

Sammanfattning: The world’s population is ageing and will continue to do so, this demographic change is considered a triumph. However, population ageing has exposed challenges, such as discrimination based on older age which has negative impact on older persons enjoyment of human rights. With it follows the question on how to best protect the elderly and their rights. Some argue that an international (UN) convention on the rights of older people is needed, while other argue against. As there is no consensus to this question the purpose of this thesis has been to examine whether there are sufficient reasons for the advancement of a UN convention on the rights of older persons. To do so, the arguments in favour of such convention has been analysed by considering the effectiveness of conventions on human rights advancement and other relevant documents. Throughout, the thesis has presumed that there is a need for stronger protection for the elderly and that the alternative to a convention is to further advance the protection within the existing international human rights system. The result of the study, based on the arguments analysed and the current practice, shows that, at present, there are insufficient reasons for the advancement of a UN convention on the rights of older persons. It suggests that the potential of strengthening the protection of older people within the international human rights system have not yet been exhausted. The study further reflects the complexity of the question on whether a UN convention on the rights of older people should be advanced.