第62回人権理事会 尾池厚之大使によるハンセン病差別撤廃決議案の提案理由説明
令和8年7月8日
The 62nd Session of the Human Rights Council
Introduction on the draft resolution L.5 titled:
Elimination of discrimination against persons affected
by leprosy/Hansen’s disease and their family members
by Ambassador OIKE Atsuyuki
Permanent Representative of Japan to International Organizations in Geneva
Introduction on the draft resolution L.5 titled:
Elimination of discrimination against persons affected
by leprosy/Hansen’s disease and their family members
by Ambassador OIKE Atsuyuki
Permanent Representative of Japan to International Organizations in Geneva
Thank you, Mr. President.
On behalf of a cross-regional core group comprising Brazil, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Fiji, India, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco and Japan, I am pleased to introduce draft resolution L.5 on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy/Hansen’s disease and their family members. This marks the eighth resolution on this issue since the Human Rights Council first adopted it in 2008. We sincerely thank all delegations for their constructive engagement throughout the consultations and appreciate the support of our [51] co-sponsors.
Over the years, the Council has advanced international efforts to address this issue through successive resolutions. The Principles and Guidelines have provided the framework for these efforts, and since 2017 successive Special Rapporteurs have contributed through reporting, dialogue, and country visits. We express our sincere appreciation for the dedicated efforts of the Special Rapporteurs concerned.
Notwithstanding such progress, discrimination persists. Rooted in historical and institutional discrimination, this remains a unique human rights challenge. Continued international efforts to eliminate Hansen’s disease-related discrimination are therefore essential.
At the same time, we are acutely aware of the need for increased efficiency in these financially difficult times. We have therefore called for a revision of the mandate, in line with the broader efforts epitomized by the UN80 process. With a view to building on the gains made to date, this draft resolution promotes the continued dissemination and implementation of the Principles and Guidelines while introducing a more efficient and sustainable follow-up framework. Following the conclusion of the current Special Rapporteur’s mandate, the High Commissioner for Human Rights will continue to follow up on progress through a comprehensive report to the Human Rights Council, followed by an interactive dialogue.
The draft resolution also welcomes efforts to hold annual awareness-raising events, supported by voluntary contributions, as valuable opportunities for affected persons and their family members to make their voices heard, exchange experiences, and contribute to the implementation of the Principles and Guidelines. Insights from these events will also inform the High Commissioner’s comprehensive report, helping to promote increased visibility for affected persons and ensure that their experiences and perspectives continue to guide the Council’s work.
This draft resolution opens up a new phase of the Council’s engagement, providing a more focused, efficient, and sustainable follow-up framework, while ensuring that the voices of persons affected by leprosy/Hansen’s disease remain front and center.
In closing, we hope that the Council will once again adopt this draft resolution by consensus.
I thank you.
On behalf of a cross-regional core group comprising Brazil, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Fiji, India, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco and Japan, I am pleased to introduce draft resolution L.5 on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy/Hansen’s disease and their family members. This marks the eighth resolution on this issue since the Human Rights Council first adopted it in 2008. We sincerely thank all delegations for their constructive engagement throughout the consultations and appreciate the support of our [51] co-sponsors.
Over the years, the Council has advanced international efforts to address this issue through successive resolutions. The Principles and Guidelines have provided the framework for these efforts, and since 2017 successive Special Rapporteurs have contributed through reporting, dialogue, and country visits. We express our sincere appreciation for the dedicated efforts of the Special Rapporteurs concerned.
Notwithstanding such progress, discrimination persists. Rooted in historical and institutional discrimination, this remains a unique human rights challenge. Continued international efforts to eliminate Hansen’s disease-related discrimination are therefore essential.
At the same time, we are acutely aware of the need for increased efficiency in these financially difficult times. We have therefore called for a revision of the mandate, in line with the broader efforts epitomized by the UN80 process. With a view to building on the gains made to date, this draft resolution promotes the continued dissemination and implementation of the Principles and Guidelines while introducing a more efficient and sustainable follow-up framework. Following the conclusion of the current Special Rapporteur’s mandate, the High Commissioner for Human Rights will continue to follow up on progress through a comprehensive report to the Human Rights Council, followed by an interactive dialogue.
The draft resolution also welcomes efforts to hold annual awareness-raising events, supported by voluntary contributions, as valuable opportunities for affected persons and their family members to make their voices heard, exchange experiences, and contribute to the implementation of the Principles and Guidelines. Insights from these events will also inform the High Commissioner’s comprehensive report, helping to promote increased visibility for affected persons and ensure that their experiences and perspectives continue to guide the Council’s work.
This draft resolution opens up a new phase of the Council’s engagement, providing a more focused, efficient, and sustainable follow-up framework, while ensuring that the voices of persons affected by leprosy/Hansen’s disease remain front and center.
In closing, we hope that the Council will once again adopt this draft resolution by consensus.
I thank you.