HRC 44 - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur ID with the Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members - EU Intervention

The EU welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur, in particular its very useful policy framework for the design of rights-based action plans aimed at equality for persons affected by leprosy and their family members.

These persons continue to be among the furthest behind. Deep-rooted stigma and prejudice associated to leprosy remains attached for generations and push them to cycles of poverty, exclusion and extreme vulnerability. This happens despite the fact that leprosy is curable and little contagious. The problems they have to endure stem thus from discrimination and stigma rather than from the actual health condition.

Ms. Cruz, you have been carrying out important work to raise awareness to this historically neglected issue; engaging with most affected countries and other UN rapporteurs, and bringing together civil society and persons affected. The EU has been supporting your work.

Your report addresses the elimination of stereotypes as a key area for the elimination of discrimination based on leprosy. It also mentions that leprosy could be used as an example for education on human rights. Could you please elaborate on that?

Thank you.