The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, has decided to allow the entry into China of people affected by leprosy and their families.

As of 20^th July 2008, people who have been affected by leprosy and their relatives can enter China from other countries. This follows an appeal made by the WHO Ambassador for Leprosy to annul the ban on people affected by leprosy entering the country during the Olympic Games* which are to open in Beijing on 8^th August, a Human Rights Dialogue between China and Japan in the Chinese capital on July 15^th, and lobbying by other organisations such as HANDA, the Chinese member of the international patients’ association IDEA (International Association for Integration, Dignity and Economic Advancement).

China has lifted the ban to demonstrate its commitment to honouring the rights of people affected by leprosy. On 18^th June 2008 it was party to the unanimous adoption of a resolution by the United Nations on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy. Officials have stated that people affected by leprosy will continue to be allowed into China after the Olympic Games.

Foreigners with leprosy, pulmonary tuberculosis, mental illness, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV were banned from entering China in 1989.

Click here for announcement on the Official Website of the Beijing 2008 Olympics:
http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/official/preparation/n214471697.shtml  

* Click here for article, WHO Ambassador Appeals Over Beijing Olympics Travel Ban:
http://www.ilep.org.uk/news-events/article/who-global-ambassador-appeals-over-beijing-olympics-travel-ban-270/

Categories: China