Leprosy is a human rights issue, and the injustice surrounding the treatment of individuals and families affected by the disease needs to stop. People affected by leprosy have the right to feel confident that their future will be free from fear and discrimination, and that they and their families are of equal value to everyone else.

Dispelling Myths
Leprosy-affected people are most empowered when they are accepted back into their communities with a sense of pride, dignity and self-worth.  All of our projects have a strong education component and we bring entire communities together to learn about the causes and consequences of leprosy.  Through education we can dispel the myths surrounding the disease and build strong and inclusive families and communities.

Fighting for Human Rights
Individuals and families living with leprosy and disability are often socially excluded and denied access to basic services. We run advocacy skills training workshops for community leaders and inform leprosy-affected people about their rights, empowering them to challenge injustice and access their entitlements. We work in partnership with local leprosy organisations and support them to advocate on human rights issues, promoting justice and dignity for all.

Ethnic Members of Parliament
A number of members of parliament and candidates have visited our office this election year to hear about our work and this will hopefully assist our support from future governments.

Dr. Jian Yang

National Party list candidate came to our office and had a detailed discussion about leprosy and how the government and LMNZ working together can help to eradicate this historic disease. 

Dr Yang is also a lecturer at Auckland University teaching Political Science, he has a interest in Chinese foreign relations, Chinese politics and Asian security.

Hon Peter Dunne

Hon Peter Dunne came to our office and had a discussion with our team prior to the election.  Peter Dunne talked about his campaign and what new policies his party would implement if they were accepted back into Parliament. 

HANDA Rehabilitation and Welfare Association in China is governed by leprosy-affected people, for leprosy-affected people.  Their vision is a world without stigma and discrimination.