General Comments by India on consideration of the Resolution on ‘Elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy (Hansen’s disease) 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, 12 July 2023 General Comments by India on consideration of the Resolution on ‘Elimination of discrimination aga..
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General Comments by India on consideration of the Resolution on ‘Elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy (Hansen’s disease) 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, 12 July 2023

 

General Comments by India on consideration of the Resolution on ‘Elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy (Hansen’s disease) 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, 12 July 2023

 

Thank you, Mr. President.

At the outset, we thank Japan for its leadership and efforts in tabling this resolution as well as other members of the core group. We also thank  Member States for their inputs and constructive engagement on the draft text before us.

India fully supports the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy (Hansen’s disease) and their family members.

The resolution rightly recognises that persons affected by leprosy and their family members continue to face stigma and discrimination around the world. This impairs the full enjoyment of human rights by them.

The WHO Global Leprosy (Hansen’s disease) Strategy 2021-30, referenced in the text, envisions zero leprosy meaning zero infection and disease, zero disability, as well as zero stigma and discrimination. Combatting stigma and ensuring human rights are respected constitute one of its strategic pillars.

Therefore, we are of the view that this is an important issue that merits the attention of the Council. 

As a leprosy-endemic country, India has consistently taken measures to eliminate leprosy. Many Union and State level legislations that may be discriminatory against leprosy affected persons have either been repealed or amended. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 grants rights and entitlements to persons affected by leprosy in the area of social security, health, rehabilitation, employment, skill development etc. for their empowerment and inclusion. Most recently, the Government of India launched the National Strategic Plan & Roadmap for Leprosy (2023-27) to achieve zero transmission of leprosy by 2027 i.e. three years ahead of SDG 3.3. 

The resolution before us is a balanced one. Given the importance of the subject, we hope the Council will adopt it by consensus.

I thank you.