A/HRC/14/31 40. In 2009, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women established a working group to elaborate a general recommendation on the rights of older women. In its preliminary work, the working group explains that the impact of gender inequalities throughout a woman’s lifespan is intensified in old age and often results in unfair resource allocation, maltreatment, abuse, gender-based violence and prevention of access to basic services. The general recommendation will be an important tool for addressing the human rights of older women and the elimination of discrimination they face throughout their lives.28 A. The right to social security in human rights and labour standards 41. The right to social security is firmly grounded in international human rights law and several treaties contain specific references to old age protection through social security schemes. Further to articles 22 and 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it appears in articles 9, 10 and 11 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, article 5 (e) (iv) of the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, article 11 of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, article 26 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, article 27 of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities mentions the right to social protection (art. 28). 42. At regional level, there are several provisions recognizing the specific vulnerability of older persons that call on States to implement specific measures to protect the elderly. They also emphasize the right to social security. 43. The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights stipulates that “the aged and the disabled shall also have the right to special measures of protection in keeping with their physical or moral needs” (art. 18). The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol) recognizes the particular vulnerability of older women and requests States to take a number of measures “commensurate with their physical, economic and social needs as well as their access to employment and professional training” and “ensure the right of elderly women to freedom from violence, including sexual abuse” (art. 22). 44. The Revised European Social Charter recognizes “the right of elderly persons to social protection” (art. 23). It calls on States to adopt or encourage appropriate measures to: (1) “enable elderly persons to remain full members of society for as long as possible”; (2) “enable elderly persons to choose their lifestyle freely and to lead independent lives in their familiar surroundings for as long as they wish and are able”; and (3) “guarantee elderly persons living in institutions appropriate support, while respecting their privacy, and participation in decisions concerning living conditions in the institutions”. 45. The Additional Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights in the Area of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recognizes that “everyone has the right to special protection in old age” (art. 17). It also called for States to take the necessary steps “to make this right a reality”, particularly by providing food and adequate medical services; undertaking work programmes specifically designed for the elderly and establishing social organizations designed to improve the quality of life for the elderly. 46. Several International Labour Organization conventions and declarations also recognize the right to social security, including the Declaration concerning the aims and 28 10 See CEDAW/C/2009/II/WP.1/R. GE.10-12583