The 62nd Session of the Human Rights Council, Item 3: Interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy (Hansen’s disease), Statement by SHIOTA Takahiro, Minister-Counsellor
2026/6/24
The 62nd Session of the Human Rights Council
Item 3: Interative dialogue with
Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against
persons affected by leprosy (Hansen’s disease)
Statement by Mr. SHIOTA Takahiro, Minister-Counsellor
The Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva
18 June 2026
Item 3: Interative dialogue with
Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against
persons affected by leprosy (Hansen’s disease)
Statement by Mr. SHIOTA Takahiro, Minister-Counsellor
The Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva
18 June 2026
Thank you, Mr. Vice President.
Japan thanks the Special Rapporteur for her report, which highlights the continuing impact of historical human rights violations related to leprosy/Hansen’s disease and underscores the importance of truth, justice, reparation, memorialization, and guarantees of non-recurrence.
Discrimination against persons affected by leprosy/Hansen’s disease and their family members is a historical and systemic human rights issue that is shaped and perpetuated through discriminatory laws, segregation policies, and other forms of exclusion. In many countries, such discrimination extended beyond persons affected by leprosy themselves and had profound impacts on their family members. The consequences of this discrimination continue to be felt today.
Japan also has its own history in this regard. Through reflecting on that experience and listening to the voices of persons affected by leprosy and their family members, we have gained important insights that continue to guide our efforts to eliminate discrimination.
As the report points out, discrimination and human rights violations related to leprosy/Hansen’s disease persist today. For this reason, Japan, together with Brazil, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Fiji, India, Kyrgyzstan and Morocco, is presenting a resolution on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy/Hansen’s disease and their family members at this session. Through this resolution, we will continue to promote the implementation of the Principles and Guidelines and advance international efforts to eliminate discrimination.
I thank you.
Japan thanks the Special Rapporteur for her report, which highlights the continuing impact of historical human rights violations related to leprosy/Hansen’s disease and underscores the importance of truth, justice, reparation, memorialization, and guarantees of non-recurrence.
Discrimination against persons affected by leprosy/Hansen’s disease and their family members is a historical and systemic human rights issue that is shaped and perpetuated through discriminatory laws, segregation policies, and other forms of exclusion. In many countries, such discrimination extended beyond persons affected by leprosy themselves and had profound impacts on their family members. The consequences of this discrimination continue to be felt today.
Japan also has its own history in this regard. Through reflecting on that experience and listening to the voices of persons affected by leprosy and their family members, we have gained important insights that continue to guide our efforts to eliminate discrimination.
As the report points out, discrimination and human rights violations related to leprosy/Hansen’s disease persist today. For this reason, Japan, together with Brazil, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Fiji, India, Kyrgyzstan and Morocco, is presenting a resolution on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy/Hansen’s disease and their family members at this session. Through this resolution, we will continue to promote the implementation of the Principles and Guidelines and advance international efforts to eliminate discrimination.
I thank you.