Statement by the Press Secretary/ Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, on the Adoption of the Resolution on Elimination of Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy and their Family Members at the Third Committee of the 65th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

November 17, 2010
Japanese

On November 16 (local time), the resolution on elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members, submitted by Japan, was unanimously adopted at the Third Committee of the 65th session of the United Nations General Assembly (New York). This was the first time the said resolution was adopted at the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly.
This resolution was intended to eliminate prejudice and discrimination stemming from misinformation about and misunderstanding of the disease, by encouraging governments and other actors to give due consideration to the Principles and Guidelines for the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members. It holds an important significance as it greatly contributes to the elimination of discrimination against leprosy in the world.
Japan highly values the adoption of the resolution, and will continue making proactive efforts toward the elimination of discrimination against leprosy.

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