International Lepramism Delegation to the UN

On 14 June, the International Leprosy Federation was represented for the first time at the UN Conference of 178 Member States.

The main theme of the session was compliance with and practical implementation of the UN Resolution on the Fundamental Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The three-member delegation of the International Leprosy Federation, consisting of Amar Timalsina, a recovered leprosy patient and member of the Board, Brent Morgan, CEO, and Pradeep Bagival, Director of Advocacy, wanted to raise awareness of the International Leprosy Federation and encourage the 21 countries most affected by leprosy (WHO data) to comply with the Resolution. Our CEO also participated in a round table discussion. He urged immediate action against the 44 countries that still have a total of 185 laws or regulations in force that discriminate against people with leprosy!
In his response, the Chair responded positively and called for an end to discrimination against people with leprosy.