To assess the human rights situation of older persons in China, UN human rights expert Rosa Kornfeld-Matte will carry out her first official visit from 25 November to 3 December 2019.
“China has a rapidly ageing population of a very large size, and the visit will enable me to assess how it is addressing the challenges this poses,” said Kornfeld-Matte, the UN’s first Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons.
“I especially want to understand how China implements national and international standards relevant to the rights of older people, to identify good practices, and to provide recommendations on how to close potential gaps.”
The expert said she was keen to learn more about China’s Law on the Protection of the Rights and Interests of Older Persons and its implementation, which started a few years ago. She wants to explore the institutional framework, including the National Ageing Office and the National Committee on Ageing.
“I am particularly interested in China’s efforts to digitalise health and care services for older persons, and the use of artificial intelligence in hospitals and care settings,” said Kornfeld-Matte, who has been mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to assess the best ways to promote and protect the rights of older persons around the world.
The expert, who is visiting China at the invitation of the Government, will travel to Beijing, Shanghai, Changzhou and Shenzhen for discussions with government representatives, non-governmental organisations and others, as well as older persons themselves.
Her full findings and recommendations will be presented in a report to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2020. (Source: OHCHR)