On March 1, organisations all over the world celebrate Zero Discrimination Day. It is a day dedicated to celebrating people's freedom to live their lives freely and honourably. The day was first observed by the United Nations in 2014. It is recognised by organisations such as UNAIDS, which fight prejudice against HIV-positive persons.
Discrimination, in simple words, is the unjust treatment of individuals due to their race, age, sex or disability. It denies people the freedom to live peacefully and honestly. Discriminatory practices limit individuals’ self-expression. In today’s progressive world, it is painful to see how discrimination persists in several spheres.
Zero Discrimination Day aims to educate people about the importance of accepting people for who they are without prejudices. The purpose of celebrating such a day is to instil in people compassion and knowledge required to understand the absurdity behind the idea of discrimination. Zero Discrimination Day advocates the need for inclusion in society and the ill effects of treating individuals unjustly.
This year’s theme for Zero Discrimination Day was “Remove laws that harm, create laws that empower”. This emphasises the need to remove discriminatory laws as the first step to eradicating discrimination. Discriminatory laws put individuals in a difficult position as they are unable to exercise their fundamental rights. This results in the individual struggling emotionally and mentally to live a stable life.
Discrimination by skin colour is a prevalent issue in many countries around the world. Individuals are given different opportunities and benefits depending on the level of melanin in their skin. This is a problem that has been going on for ages, and Zero Discrimination Day intends to tackle such issues through awareness and education. Discrimination also covers a range of other factors such as income, health status, occupation, drug use, gender identity, religion and ethnicity.
Gender discrimination is another form of discrimination that is being talked about on global platforms. Despite the attention received by the issue, it remains ubiquitous in today’s modern society.
Students today actively participate in events and programmes intended to educate people about the need for Zero Discrimination. They invest time and energy in initiating a change to promote diversity.
FAQs
1. When did Zero Discrimination Day start being observed?
The day started being observed by the United Nations in 2014.
2. What is considered discrimination?
Discrimination, in simple words, is the unjust treatment of individuals due to their race, age, sex or disability. It denies people the freedom to live peacefully. Discriminatory practices limit individuals’ self-expression.
3. What is the aim of the Zero Discrimination Day?
Zero Discrimination Day aims to educate people about the importance of accepting people for who they are without prejudices.
4. What was the theme of this year’s Zero Discrimination Day?
This year’s theme for Zero Discrimination Day was “Remove laws that harm, create laws that empower”.
