Zero Discrimination Day calls for inclusive society

AMMAN — Zero Discrimination Day, which is annually observed on March 1, confronts and calls out inequalities and discriminatory behaviour, with the aim to make societies better prepared to beat COVID-19.

“Inequality is growing for more than 70 per cent of the global population, exacerbating the risk of division and hampering economic and social development,” according to UNAIDS website.

Discrimination and inequalities are closely intertwined. Intersecting forms of discrimination, be it structural or social, against individuals and groups can lead to a wide range of inequalities such as educational outcomes, health and employment, according to the website.

“To achieve dignity for all, political, economic and social policies need to protect the rights of everyone and pay attention to the needs of disadvantaged and marginalised communities,” according to UNAIDS.

In remarks to The Jordan Times on Monday, sociologist Hussein Khozahe said that discriminatory behaviour happens when certain persons are marginalised. It consists of prejudicial treatment of people, due to their class, race, gender, religion, work, disability and social situation.

“Discriminatory practices may lead to chaos which eventually hinders development,” Khozahe said.

Through prompting social inclusion and strengthening social bonds between people, this problem could be addressed, he said.

This year UNAIDS is highlighting the urgent need to take action to end inequalities surrounding income, sex, age, health status, occupation, disability, class and religion.

The UN first celebrated Zero Discrimination Day on March 1, 2014, after UNAIDS, a UN programme on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), launched its Zero Discrimination Campaign.