United Nations observes Zero Discrimination Day

During the session informative activities and discussions were held, which highlighted the importance of non-discriminatory behaviours and practices. In her remarks, Ms. Khadija Musa, Resident Coordinator of the UN System in Guyana, stated that the UN remains committed to respecting the human rights of all. She encouraged staff to always be mindful during their interactions not to say and act in ways that would offend others.  

Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon states that “Discrimination is a violation of human rights and must not go unchallenged….Everyone has the right to live with respect and dignity.” According to Mr. Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS, “Some of the world’s most challenging problems can be solved simply by eliminating stigma and discrimination…As we collectively strive for a fairer world we can be encouraged by the enthusiasm for achieving zero discrimination.”

For this year’s Zero Discrimination Day people have been invited to Open Up, Reach Out, using social media channels to tell the world what zero discrimination means to them. People have shared songs, poems, thoughts and activities inspired by the butterfly, the transformative symbol of the campaign. People are also calling on their governments to make greater efforts to realize and protect human rights and eliminate discrimination.

The support garnered for Zero Discrimination Day has created a global movement of solidarity to end discrimination, which remains widespread. Millions of women and girls in every region of the world experience violence and abuse and are unable to exercise their rights or gain access to health-care services, education, or employment. Discrimination at work, school, and health-care and other settings reduces people’s ability to participate fully and meaningfully in societies and provide and care for themselves and their families. Globally, there are almost 80 countries that still have laws criminalizing same-sex sexual relations. Some 38 countries, territories and areas impose some form of restriction on the entry, stay and residence of people living with HIV. Furthermore, legal and social environments are still failing to address stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and those most vulnerable to HIV infection.