(1) Resolution 'Modalities for the first review and appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing' adopted by the Commission for Social Development during its 44th session and calendar for the first review and appraisal cycle

On 17 February 2006, the Commission for Social Development adopted resolution 44/1 on the future modalities for the first review and appraisal of the MIPAA. It was sponsored by 42 governments and outlines the format and calendar for the first review and appraisal, announces a global theme and proposes cooperation on various levels to conclude the first review and appraisal in 2008. For the full text please see the resolution attached:

Modalities for the first review and appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing

Calendar for the first cycle of the review and appraisal

(2) A new website dedicated to the follow-up of the Regional Implementation Strategy (RIS) for the Madrid Plan of Action in the UNECE Region

The European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research, Vienna, Austria, collaborates with the Secretariat of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the Austrian Ministry of Social Security, Generations and Consumer Protection, and the related "Monitoring RIS" Task Force. The European Centre is in charge of the "scientific and technical assistance" to the governments in the monitoring process of the RIS. To support and facilitate the tasks attributed to the European Centre in this process, a new website has been set up, dedicated to the knowledge and information about the follow-up of the RIS. You can access it at: http://www.MonitoringRIS.org

Besides information about the policies and strategies, the website aims at giving an overview of instruments, activities, and resources, such as country facts and figures. All interested actors, from governmental to local authorities, as well as NGOs partners will be able to find information catering to their needs. The focus is, of course, on the UNECE/European Centre member states, but a brief overview of other UN regions will also be available.

The Monitoring RIS Website's contents will be constantly improved, according to new findings and suggestions. The European Centre invites you to have a look at the current pages as an example of what can be provided for each region/country, and to submit to the Editorial Committee any information you think is relevant and could help to enhance the webpage's accuracy. For that purpose, please use the on-line form you will find on the topic-pages or communicate directly to the following address: risweb@euro.centre.org.

(3) NGO Statement 'Ageing and the Rights of Older Persons' to the 62nd session of the Commission on Human Rights

The statement attached was submitted to the Commission on Human Rights which will convene in March 2006. It will be sponsored by 23 NGOs accredited to ECOSOC.

Statement to the 62St. Session of the Commission on Human Rights