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‘Zero Discrimination Day’ Observed Globally

‘Zero Discrimination Day’ Observed Globally
‘Zero Discrimination Day’ Observed Globally

Discrimination continues to affect the lives of millions of people around the world. On March 1, observed as ‘Zero Discrimination Day’, people from all corners of the world united under the theme of ‘Open Up, Reach Out’ to celebrate diversity and reject discrimination in all its forms. It was first celebrated on March 1, 2014.

The support for zero discrimination has created a global movement of solidarity to end widespread discrimination. Millions of women and girls 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, said a press release from the UN Information Centre in Tehran.

 “Discrimination is a violation of human rights and must not go unchallenged,” said United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. “Everyone has the right to live with respect and dignity.”

This year people have been invited to ‘open up and 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.

“Some of the world’s most challenging problems can be solved simply by eliminating stigma and discrimination,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “As we collectively strive for a fairer world we can be encouraged by the enthusiasm for achieving zero discrimination.”

Events to mark the day include photo exhibitions in China, concerts in Madagascar, a storytelling event for children in Mongolia and special film screenings in Nepal.

Seminars and workshops to discuss issues relating to stigma and discrimination will take place in more than 20 countries worldwide, from Colombia to Uzbekistan.

Financialtribune.com