Report No. 256

(v) Appropriate use of Language

7.10.11 Language is a significant medium of perpetuating existing stigmas. Bearing this in mind, an effort needs to be made to discourage the use of the term 'leper' and other such synonymous terms, as it carries negative connotations with reference to Persons affected by Leprosy. The term also hampers the efforts for the inclusion of Persons affected by Leprosy into mainstream society and affects their sense of dignity as human beings.

7.10.12 The Law Commission recommends that to tackle this issue of language, the proposed legislation should endeavour to replace the term 'leper' and other such synonymous terms in national, regional or local languages in all government and private documents, to 'persons affected by Leprosy' or a similar term to that effect in the relevant national, regional or local language.