Report No. 256
(vii) Japan
6.3.8 In March 2005, the members of the Verification Committee in association with the Japan Law Foundation presented a report entitled "Verification Committee Concerning Hansen's Disease Problem".117 The Committee was set up by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to assess the scientific and historical significance of the segregation policy in relation to Persons affected by Leprosy and to provide guidance on the formulation of government policies in relation to such persons.118
117. Verification Committee Concerning Hansen's Disease Problem, Final Report (Japan Law Foundation, 2005), available at
<http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health/01/pdf/01.pdf>, accessed on 25th January, 2015; See also Annual Report of the OHCHR and the Secretary General (n 97).
118. Annual Report of the OHCHR and the Secretary General (n 97).
6.3.9 Subsequently in 2001, an Act on Payment of Compensation to Inmates of Hansen's' Disease Sanatoria was passed in Japan to provide financial assistance to Persons affected by Leprosy.119 Another law aimed at extending social welfare services to such persons was enacted in 2008.120 In the same year, the Ministry of Justice also placed the elimination of prejudice against persons living with HIV and Persons affected by Leprosy as a priority for its human rights week that year.121
119. Annual Report of the OHCHR (n 97).
120. Annual Report of the OHCHR (n 97).
121. Annual Report of the OHCHR (n 97).
Back
