Zero Discrimination Day
A global day promoting equality before the law and in everyday life, rejecting all forms of discrimination based on health status, identity, or background.
Date1 March
TopicHuman Rights & Equality
Established2014
Ways to observe this day
- Share a post explaining how discrimination affects a community you care about
- Attend or host a discussion on the rights of marginalized groups
- Review your workplace or school policies to ensure they are free of discrimination
- Support a local organization defending the rights of people living with HIV or other marginalized groups
The Zero Discrimination Day was launched by UNAIDS on March 1, 2014, growing out of the "Zero Discrimination" campaign unveiled on World AIDS Day in December 2013. It responds to the reality that discrimination — whether against people living with HIV or against anyone marginalized because of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or social status — remains one of the biggest obstacles to health, justice, and development worldwide.
The day affirms everyone's right to live with dignity and respect, free from stigma and exclusion, and reminds governments and societies that discriminatory laws and practices carry real health, economic, and social costs. It is marked around the world through awareness campaigns, public events featuring the butterfly symbol adopted by the United Nations for the campaign, and dialogues bringing together policymakers, activists, and affected communities to discuss how to build a fairer, more inclusive world.
