Zero Discrimination Day: UN Calls For End To Discrimination

In commemoration of Zero Discrimination Day, the United Nation (UN), has called for an end to all forms of discrimination. The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon Ban made the remark in a message to mark the Zero Discrimination Day, on March 1, with the theme ‘Open Up, Reach Out ‘. The Zero Discrimination Day draws attention to millions of women and girls in every region of the world who experience violence and abuse, and are unable to exercise their rights or gain access to health-care services, education or employment..

In a message to mark the Day, Mr Michel Sidibé, the Executive Director of UNAIDS, said some of the world’s most challenging problems could be solved by simply eliminating stigma and discrimination.

“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.

Discrimination is a violation of human rights and must not go unchallenged,” said United Nations Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon. He said “as we collectively strive for a fairer world, we can be encouraged by the enthusiasm for achieving zero discrimination.’’ It would be recalled that the UNAIDS said millions of women and girls in every region of the world experienced violence and abuse on a daily basis and struggled to access adequate healthcare and education.

Globally, the UNAIDS said, there were almost 80 countries that have laws criminalising same-sex sexual relations.

UNAIDS also said that some 38 countries, territories and areas imposed some form of restriction on the entry, stay and residence of people living with HIV. Furthermore, legal and social environments were still failing to address stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and those most vulnerable to HIV infection. UNAIDS estimated that in 2013, 35 million people globally lived with HIV, while 2.1 million people became newly infected with the virus and 1.5 million people died from AIDS-related illnesses.

Source: nationalmirroronline.net