Many people think that leprosy no longer exists. But it does - and also the stigma and discrimination it causes.
Discrimination against people affected by leprosy is one of the oldest and most pervasive examples of social injustice in the history of the human race.
Even today, millions of men, women and children continue to suffer social, economic and legal discrimination, simply because they or a family
member have had leprosy.
Leprosy is a curable disease. Yet misguided notions about leprosy persist, with devastating consequences for those thus stigmatized.
Denying the inherent human rights of anyone on the basis of disease is indefensible.
Discrimination can never be justified.
Silence on this issue is not acceptable.
We urge you to join us in the fight to end this social injustice.
Together, let us create a society in which every individual is free and equal
in dignity and human rights.