UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

59^th session 

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy

20 June 2025

EU statement

Mr. President,

The European Union welcomes the Special Rapporteur and thanks her for the presentation of her report.

Madam Special Rapporteur,

The European Union shares your concerns regarding the trend in new cases of persons affected by leprosy (Hansen’s disease) over the past decade, which compromises the achievement of the targets set out  in the World Health Organization’s global leprosy strategy 2021–2030. 

Simultaneously, we must eliminate stigma and discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members, ensuring a human rights-based approach.

In order to revert this trend, a significant scaling up of preventive treatment, alongside active case detection, is required. We would welcome meaningful inclusion and participation of those affected by leprosy in awareness and education campaigns.

The EU plays an active role in funding programs to combat leprosy, primarily through research, public health initiatives, and international cooperation. Through the PEP4LEP projects, the EU supports different leprosy prevention strategies and community-based interventions in Ethiopia, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Furthermore, the EU runs global health research programs focused on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), such as leprosy.

Madam Special Rapporteur, 

In your report, you provide guidance to States and international stakeholders on implementing leprosy-inclusive strategies and policies. Which actions would you consider a priority?