The United Nations Commission on Human Rights is currently
underway. On March 29-30, the Commission will discuss social,
cultural and economic rights. The human right to health falls under
this point, and so on the 29th, President Sasakawa will speak on
the topic of Leprosy and Human Rights.

The Commission on Human Rights was formed in 1946, one year after
the establishment of the United Nations. At its very first session,
it created the Subcommission on Prevention of Discrimination and
Protection of Minorities, and at the end of 1948, its Universal
Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the General Assembly of
the United Nations. Since its beginnings, it has been a very
important and proactive part of the United Nations.

During the five weeks from March 15 to April 21 this year, the
Commission is holding its 60th session. During the course of this
time, registered NGOs Governments and other shareholders in human
rights will be given a chance to appeal to the Commission on the
behalf of those around the world who must suffer under the weight
of fear, oppression and inhumane treatment. The weight of the
world's human rights violations can be felt by the fact that, though
the commission will meet for five weeks, each party is only given
a few minutes to speak.

On March 29, Yohei Sasakawa, President The Nippon Foundation and
Special Ambassador for the Elimination of Leprosy, will take the
opportunity presented by this meeting to discuss the human rights
violations that those affected by leprosy around the world must
face. This problem, though relatively unknown, is more pervasive
than any other disease-related violation in the world. Humankind
has long cast out those who have been touched by leprosy, and has
often gone to the extreme of stigmatizing their families as well.
This continues today, and it is estimated that, when the families
and relatives of those who have had leprosy are taken into account,
the number of people who have to deal with leprosy-related
discrimination totals 100 million around the world. While the
problem is of course worst in endemic countries, it is prevalent
in every country of the world, including the so-called developed
countries.

The dehumanization of these people is widespread. However the
stigma surrounding the disease has caused most to hide the fact
that they once had it. This is true, even though most countries
no longer force those with leprosy into permanent isolation. It is
true though there is now a cure.

It is Mr. Sasakawa's intention to give a voice to these voiceless
millions.

Also on the 29th, The Nippon Foundation will be hosting a panel
briefing on the same topic in Room XX of the Palais des Nations.
Following a brief lunch from 12:30, the session will run from 1:00
to 3:00 in the afternoon. Experts will discuss the issue from
several viewpoints, and there will be time for questions afterward.
Those attending the Commission meeting are all invited to attend.