Summary:
New Delhi, Jan 17 (PTI) The NHRC has issued a detailed advisory to the Centre, states and union territories, listing "discriminating legal provisions" against leprosy-affected persons in 97 laws of the country, and called for their removal.
In a statement, the National Human Rights Commission, has also called for timely identification, treatment and for elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy.
The NHRC, headed by justice (retd) Arun Kumar Mishra, has issued the advisory, it said.
Among the recommendations made in the advisory, include that the Union government should consider enacting a law to provide for substitution of "derogatory terms" used to describe persons affected by leprosy."The advisory has listed discriminating legal provisions against the leprosy affected persons in 97 laws of the country and called for their removal," the statement said.
The advisory has provided for ensuring that no person suffering from leprosy or any of his family members is discriminated against and denied all or any of the right to healthcare, employment, education and land rights, it said.
To raise awareness about the fact that leprosy is fully curable and a person suffering from the leprosy no longer remains contagious after receipt of first dose of MDT and may lead a normal married life, can have children, can take part in social events and go to work or school, college as normal, the Commission calls to organise awareness programs by involving print and electronic media, grassroots-level functionaries and civil society organisations, the rights panel said.