Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members at the 53rd Session of Human Rights Council (19 June - 14 July 2023) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 23 June 2023
Mr. President,
1. We welcome the SR’s presentation and take due note of her report’s conclusions and recommendations.
2. India is deeply committed to eliminating discrimination faced by leprosy affected persons and their family members. Our National Leprosy Eradication Programme is a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s vision to not only treat leprosy affected persons but to mainstream them in our society.
3. India achieved the elimination of leprosy as a public health problem as per WHO criteria of less than 1 case per 10,000 population at the National level in 2005. The Government of India most recently launched the National Strategic Plan & Roadmap for Leprosy to achieve zero transmission of leprosy by 2027 i.e. three years ahead of the SDG 3.3 target. The Plan and Roadmap focus on awareness for zero stigma and discrimination.
4. Many Union and State level legislations that may be discriminatory against leprosy affected persons have either been repealed or amended.
5. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 mandates the Government to frame schemes in the area of social security, health, rehabilitation, skill development etc. for empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities. All the rights and entitlements envisaged in the Act are applicable to leprosy-cured persons who have valid disability certificates. The Act explicitly prohibits discrimination on the ground of disability as well as provides for affirmative action for them in Government aided higher education institutions and in public employment.
I thank you.
