HRC 62 - EU statement - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

62nd session

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy (Hansen’s disease) and their family members

19 June 2026

 

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 long-lasting consequences of historical leprosy health policies that resulted in violations and abuses of the human rights of persons affected by Hansen’s disease and their family members.

The persistence of stigma and discrimination calls for more effective affirmative action from States, in order to address the intergenerational impacts of obsolete practices, such as segregation, the separation of families and coerced sterilization.

The international human rights framework, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, is key for the implementation of a human rights-based approach to Hansen’s disease, in which the dignity of the human person, support, care and assistance are central.

The EU continues to play an active role in supporting control of Hansen’s disease through research funding, public health initiatives, and international cooperation. 

The EU-funded projects such as PEP4LEP 2.0, or TEBULA, focus on preventing transmission of Hansen’s disease and faster testing treatment, respectively, in Sub-Saharan Africa. The EU also supports digital innovation to improve early detection of skin-related neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), by developing AI-powered tools. 

Madam Special Rapporteur, 

In your report, you provide guidance to States and international stakeholders to address structural discrimination policies. Which actions would you consider a priority?