1. IO advocacy priorities - 2022 2. Informed consent Practices at TLM
For 2022, the IO will make it a priority to support TLM countries in their advocacy efforts. We'll participate in regular TLM and Advocacy Network meetings and build relationships with Members by discussing advocacy initiatives and being intentional to learn about their needs.
Similarly, we hope to support the organisations of persons affected by leprosy. We will participate in meetings with the organisations and work to reassure and motivate them in their advocacy efforts. We will also meet monthly with Amar Timalsina to support him as the international coordinator of IDEA.
We will support Alice Cruz, the UN's Special Rapporteur for the rights of persons affected by leprosy. We will promote her work within the TLM Fellowship and encourage members and organisations of persons affected to supply information for her reports.
Another focus of ours is to support the sector through meetings and participation in working groups (ILEP, GPZL, NNN, DMDI, etc.), organising COSP, UNHRC, GDS, and other side events, and supporting advocacy initiatives.
Thinking more globally, we will prioritise identifying 2-3 advocacy-related issues TLM advocacy can improve upon through 3-5 concrete action plans. The planning and discussions will involve the Advocacy Network and other stakeholders.
The IO has been working with Members on improving our processes for gathering consent to take photos and share stories.
Improved informed consent practices and informed consent forms are soon to released. These forms and processes have been piloted thoroughly with field and fundraising staff and they have been translated into 13 languages to raise consent standards and protect the wellbeing and dignity of persons affected by leprosy.
These consent forms and processes will be the only way of capturing consent within TLM by the end of 2022.
Relevant staff are invited to join training sessions during which you will be introduced to the forms and trained in how to use them appropriately.
Date: Thursday 21/04/2022 Time: 10am (UK time)
Date: Tuesday 26/04/22 Time: 7am (UK time) Link to join: here - Passcode: 021676
Further training sessions will be provided at a later point.
If you have any questions, please email Jo-Anne Thomson.