Myanmar National Human Rights Commission Statement No. (12/2025)

Myanmar National Human Rights Commission Statement No. (12/2025)

   In today's world, international organizations and governments are recognizing their responsibility to protect the dignity and rights of older persons, as their population is increasing day to day. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that older persons are entitled to an adequate standard of living, including adequate health care and necessary social services, to ensure their physical and mental well-being and security in the event of inability to earn a livelihood.

   Furthermore, to protect the rights of older persons, international action plans and regional declarations on ageing, including the 1991 United Nations Principles for Older Persons, explicitly outline their rights. These include freedom from discrimination, and the right to dignity, equality, healthcare, social security, participation in community life, and family-based care.

   To promote the rights of older persons, the United Nations General Assembly, in 1990, officially designated October 1st as the International Day of Older Persons, and it has been observed annually with a specific theme. This year's theme is "Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being and Our Rights."

   Myanmar has also addressed the rights of older persons through its legal framework. Section 32(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar (2008) stipulates that the Union shall care for the aged. Furthermore, the Elderly People Law of 2016 prescribed that all citizens aged 60 and above are entitled to special care, with specific provisions for prioritizing their needs during natural disasters and disease outbreaks.

   The State is providing health care and social security support for older persons. The Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC) is also conducting educational activities to promote and protect the rights of older persons. In accordance with Sections 43 and 44 of the MNHRC Law, the Commission visits homes for the aged and day-care centers for the aged to monitor whether the older persons are being cared for with humanity, in line with relevant international and domestic human rights laws. MNHRC sent its findings and recommendations from these visits to the relevant government departments. In 2025, the Commission visited 8 homes for the aged and 1 day-care center for the aged.

   On this International Day of Older Persons, we respectfully extend our welcome and honor the occasion by urging older persons to take a leading role in all aspects of socio-economic development for the new generation, drawing on their invaluable experience, skills, knowledge, and capabilities, and all stakeholders to respect and protect older persons rights.

Myanmar National Human Rights Commission