Caribbean policy makers are preparing to identify key actions to expand protection for the human rights of older persons over the next five years. These actions will be discussed at a meeting being convened in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) subregional headquarters for the Caribbean from 1-2 June 2017.

The meeting will assess the progress made in the subregion in the implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing and the San Jose Charter on the Rights of Older Persons in Latin America and the Caribbean, which are both international agreements which address population ageing and the human rights of older persons.

Member States will be invited to report on the most important measures which have been taken to strengthen protection for the rights of this age group, including new or improved laws, policies and programmes. Panel discussions at the meeting will focus on healthy ageing, social and health protection and the contribution of older persons to family, community and public life.

In addition, participants will also have the opportunity to assess the progress that has been made in addressing the issues discussed at the Caribbean Conference on Ageing, Elder Abuse and the Rights of Older Persons which was held in November 2015 in Roseau, Dominica.

Discussions will be informed by a study, prepared by ECLAC, based on information collected from member States. Representatives of governments will agree on a set of recommendations to further protect and promote the rights of older persons.

These recommendations will contribute to discussions at the Fourth Regional Intergovernmental Conference on Ageing and the Rights of Older Persons in Latin America and the Caribbean, which will take place from 27-30 June 2017 in Asuncion, Paraguay.