The launch of the Global Appeal 2013 to End Stigma and Discrimination Against People Affected by Leprosy

MEDIA ALERT Leprosy and Human Rights The launch of the Global Appeal 2013 to End Stigma and Discrimination Against People Affected by Leprosy In conjunction with the 60th anniversary of World Leprosy Day (January 27), The Nippon Foundation and the International Bar Association (IBA) have joined forces to combat the stigma and discrimination against leprosy-affected people which are still prevalent in the world and sustained in some countries by out-of-date and discriminatory legislation. Date: Thursday 24 January Time: 11.45am for 12.15pm (followed by buffet lunch) Place: Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1PL Details: The seventh annual Global Appeal will be launched by Mr Yohei Sasakawa, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for the Elimination of Leprosy and Chairman of The Nippon Foundation. Mr Sasakawa will be joined by Mr Vagavathali Narsappa and Mr Guntreddy Venugopal, the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the National Forum of People Affected by Leprosy in India. Today, although leprosy is entirely curable, millions of people around the world are subjected to discrimination and social exclusion because they, or members of their families, have had the disease. This blatant and wholly unnecessary discrimination is a denial of basic human rights. Endorsing the Appeal is the IBA, the world’s leading organisation of international legal practitioners, bar associations and law societies. As the global voice of the legal world the IBA will work to encourage the removal of discriminatory laws which remain on the statute books of several countries. The keynote speech will be given by Baroness Kennedy QC, Co-Chair of the IBA’S Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI), and the launch will be chaired by BBC Education Correspondent, Reeta Chakrabarti. Spokespeople will also be available for interview. ********* This press release is reprinted by Alanna Shaikh out of an obscure sense of guilt. It does not represent the opinions of Alanna Shaikh or any of her employers.