News: World Leprosy Day 2010

Calling attention to the rights of people affected by leprosy.

Around the globe, nations marked World Leprosy Day on January 31. In the Philippines, the theme was to empower persons, families and communities toward a leprosy-free Philippines. A Philippine Declaration in Tagalog and English, signed by health officials, NGOs, people's organizations and private groups, was published in an advertisement in the newspaper Philippine Daily Inquirer to draw attention to this goal.

UNHRC ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETS

The Advisory Committee to the UN Human Rights Council met in Geneva on January 26 to discuss draft principles and guidelines on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members. The committee was following up the request made by the Human Rights Council at its 12th session last October, for relevant actors to submit their views on the draft.

Shigeki Sakamoto, the advisory committee expert overseeing the draft, is hoping to circulate a revised version among members as soon as possible, with a view to submitting a finalized draft to the advisory committee in August. Subject to its approval, the draft will be submitted to the 15th session of the Human Rights Council in September 2010.

News Extra: ACWORTH MUSEUM ONLINE

Those wanting to visit the Acworth Leprosy Museum in Mumbai can now take a closer look at some of the exhibits online. Visit the museum's home page (www.theacworthleprosymuseum.org) and click on the Virtual Tour link.