Unfortunately, however, these messages have yet to reach many
people. We must accelerate our efforts to this end.

Although the medical battle against leprosy is progressing
smoothly, there is another important question that we must face.
Have the 14 million people who have been liberated from this
disease been able to find jobs and become assimilated back into
society the way people who have been cured of other diseases such
as tuberculosis or malaria have been able to? The medical
advancements that have been made to date in the treatment of
leprosy are truly remarkable. Yet it also true that discussions on
discrimination and stigma have only just begun. Faced with this
issue, I visited the United Nations Sub Commission on Human Rights
for the first time two years ago. I was truly surprised to find
that not even the members of the Sub Commission--all human rights
experts--were aware that such a serious human rights problem
existed. Together with the members of IDEA, who are also here
today, I convinced the Sub Commission to investigate the issue. As
a result, we are very fortunate to have with us here today, Mr.
Yokota, the Japanese member of the UN Sub Commission on Human
Rights. Mr. Yokota is here to listen to your opinions, comments,
and stories, so that he can go back and share them with the other
members of the Sub Commission.

I believe that this meeting is a truly historical occasion in the
long history of leprosy. It has brought together cured persons
from around the world, so that they can share their stories and
voice their opinions. These stories are more powerful and
revealing than anything I can say here on this stand. I believe
that it is vital that we continue to work to improve the lives of
cured persons, and provide opportunities for them to share their
stories. Participants at this congress come from all walks of
life, and while separate discussions and negotiations among the
participants are highly important, I believe that Dr. Nordeen and
his team organized this congress with the view of encouraging a
larger discussion on how to achieve a world without leprosy and a
world without discrimination. It is my sincere hope that the three
messages; leprosy is curable, drugs are free, and discrimination
has no place, will reach as many people around the world as
possible. I would like to ask everyone here today for your kind
support to that end.

(David Karashima, Translator)