Zero Discrimination Day: A call for legal and social equality

Every year, March 1 marks Zero Discrimination Day, an initiative led by UNAIDS to promote equality and fairness for all, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, disability, nationality, or socioeconomic background.

- DR. VISHAL SHARMA

It serves as a reminder that while legal frameworks across the world have made progress in protecting human rights, discrimination continues to persist in various forms, often undermining the very principles of justice and equality that modern democracies stand for.

At its core, Zero Discrimination Day is about dismantling barriers—both legal and societal—that prevent individuals from accessing equal opportunities. Whether it is gender-based discrimination in the workplace, racial profiling by law enforcement, denial of healthcare to marginalized communities, or discriminatory trade and immigration laws, discrimination is a reality that still affects millions. The legal system has a crucial role in tackling this issue, but social awareness and active policy-making are just as important in ensuring that laws translate into meaningful action.

The Legal Framework Against Discrimination Many countries have established constitutional provisions, anti-discrimination laws, and human rights commissions to prevent and punish discrimination. In India, for example, Article 14 of the Constitution guarantees equality before the law, while Article 15 prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. The United States has its Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination in public accommodations and employment, while the European Union's Charter of Fundamental Rights upholds equality as a fundamental principle.

Yet, despite these legal safeguards, discrimination is deeply embedded in institutional practices and social norms. Workplace bias, pay gaps, caste-based violence, racial profiling, and LGBTQ+ exclusion continue to plague societies, highlighting the gap between law and reality. The challenge, therefore, is not just to have laws on paper but to ensure they are actively enforced and that their spirit is upheld in everyday interactions.