Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members, Ms. Alice Cruz, during the 47th Session of Human Rights Council (21 June – 15 July 2021) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, (Geneva, 01 July 2021)

Madam President,

We welcome the Special Rapporteur’s thematic report that analyses the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on persons affected by leprosy and their family members and recommends that States put these vulnerable groups at the centre of their recovery efforts. We also appreciate several references in the report to India’s affirmative action policies for persons affected by leprosy, welfare programmes and other good practices in this regard.

Madam President,

While dealing with the pandemic, the Government of India has ensured that the treatment of leprosy patients continues in a seamless manner at the places they migrated to. Guidelines have been issued to all States and Union Territories to ensure uninterrupted supply of Multi Drug Therapy and uninterrupted Disability Prevention and Medical Rehabilitation services.

India launched its National Leprosy Control Programme in 1955. We have achieved the goal of elimination of leprosy as a public health problem at the national level in 2005. India has undertaken progressive measures, such as, amendment of personal laws that had allowed leprosy as a ground for seeking divorce; enactment of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 to ensure equality, non-discrimination and affirmative action as well as the repeal of a colonial era legislation that had permitted segregation of leprosy patients.

Madam President,

India is fully committed to the eradication of leprosy as well as the discrimination faced by persons suffering from leprosy and their families.

I thank you.