Zero Discrimination Day is celebrated on 1st march every year to promote the right of equality against the discrimination. This day helps people realize the importance of equality and promote inclusion, compassion, peace, and above all, a movement for change.
Zero Discrimination Day was introduced by Michel Sidibe (UNAIDS Executive Director), first celebrated on 1st March 2014. The day aims to promote equality before the law and in practice throughout all of the member countries of the UN.
Even after all the education and progress, people still face discrimination in race, ethnicity, color, gender, and societal status, even in the workplace. This needs to stop. In fact, every individual has a basic right to live with respect, dignity, and equality. We need to be more humble, appreciative, and fair with each other.
Theme:
The theme for Zero Discrimination Day this year is “Save lives: Decriminalise”, under this theme UNAIDS how the decriminalization of key populations and people living with HIV saves lives and helps advance the end of the AIDS pandemic.
Significance:
"HIV related stigma and discrimination is pervasive and exists in almost every part of the world including our Liberia", according to Dr. Ivan F. Camanor, Chairman of the National AIDS Commission of Liberia.
Zero Discrimination Day aims to eradicate all forms of discriminations. The UN Development Programme also paid tribute to LGBTI people living with HIV/AIDS who face discrimination in 2017.
How to celebrate:
Celebrate diversity - We live in a world where we get to meet all kinds of people with different cultures, colors, genders, and societies, which teach us so many things. So embrace and celebrate the diversity.
Talk about it - Start talking about topics, host a discussion, or organize a seminar on discrimination. Together, we can find the solution to stop discrimination.
Participate - Every year, so many campaigns and activities are held by various institutions and unions. We must participate in these campaigns to contribute in some or the other way.