The elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members is a landmark resolution that will help root out discriminatory behaviour towards people affected by leprosy everywhere in the world.

44 countries co-sponsored the resolution made by the 8^th United Nations Human Rights Council during June 2008. Japan had tabled this resolution at the request of Mr Yohei Sasakawa as the WHO Special Ambassador for the Elimination of Leprosy.

This resolution:

• reminds governments that all persons affected by leprosy and their family members should be treated as individuals with dignity and are entitled to all human rights and fundamental freedoms detailed in international law, conventions, constitutions and laws; and
• asks all governments to take effective measures to eliminate all forms of discrimination against all people affected by leprosy and their families.

The issue of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy is to be included in the human rights education and awareness activities of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The Human Rights Council Advisory Committee has been asked to formulate a draft set of principles and guidelines to eliminate discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members. This is to be submitted to the Council for consideration by September 2009.

Click on the following link to read the resolution in full: A/HRC/8/L.18

 

 

 

Category: International Collaboration