The first day of March, known as World Zero Discrimination Day, is universally recognised as the commitment by the United Nations to end inequalities surrounding race, ethnicity and religion, age, disability and other varied forms.
Described by the United Nations as “any unfair treatment or arbitrary distinction based on a person’s race, sex, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, age, language, social origin or other status,” discrimination may be an isolated event affecting one person or a group of persons similarly situated or may manifest itself through harassment or abuse of authority.
First observed in 2014 by UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe, the day has become a movement to advocate for policies against discrimination in all forms while promoting equality and justice for all individuals.
Commemorating the 2024 edition of the day, Rachel Idim, program manager at BrenCare Foundation, stated that discrimination was inherent in the country, depending on location, culture and social norms. Ethnic minorities, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, religious minorities, and people living with disabilities are among the victims of multiple forms of discrimination, Idim explained.
As a youth-led organization, BrenCare Foundation is focused on providing young people with information about sexual health that will guide their choices in life. According to Idim, discrimination can be found in many different statuses, from religion to gender. Rachel especially frowned at the discrimination against women and girls. At least 1 in 3 women is estimated to encounter physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, according to the WHO.
Yet the statistics are even grimmer for kids. Nearly 3 in 4 children—aged 2-4 years—suffer physical punishment and psychological violence. Likewise, 1 in 13 men reports having suffered one form of sexual abuse or discrimination.
The Law
Section 42, subsection (1) A and B, as well as sub (2), of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, prohibits discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, gender or social status.
42 (1) says “A citizen of Nigeria of a particular community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion or political opinion shall not, by reason only, that he is such a person.
“(a) be subjected either expressly by, or in the practical application of, any law in force in Nigeria or any executive or administrative action of the government, to disabilities or restrictions to which citizens of Nigeria of other communities, ethnic groups, places of origin, sex, religions or political opinions are not made subject;
“or (b) be accorded either expressly by, or in the practical application of, any law in force in Nigeria or any such executive or administrative action, any privilege or advantage that is not accorded to citizens of Nigeria of other communities, ethnic groups, places of origin, sex, religions or political opinions.
“(2) No citizen of Nigeria shall be subjected to any disability or deprivation merely by reason of the circumstances of his birth.”
Other laws include the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 which aims to protect the rights of persons with disabilities; the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act 2015; the HIV and AIDS (Anti-Discrimination) Act 2014, Labour Act 2004, among others.
The Child Rights Act 2003 adds that: “(1) A child shall not be subjected to any form of discrimination merely by reason of his belonging to a particular community or ethnic group or by reason of his place of origin, sex, religion or political opinion.
“(2) No child shall be subjected to any disability or deprivation merely by reason of the
circumstances of his birth.”
Punishment For Discrimination
Idim maintains that perpetrators should be brought before the book when found culpable.
She expressed dismay at the level of discrimination in society despite the exisiting laws against offenders and the growing number of NGOs and rights defenders.
“There are various punishments against perpetrators of discrimination, including fines, imprisonment, compensation for victims, or other penalties depending on the severity of the offense and laws of the jurisdiction,” she said.
Idim advised that government and law enforcement agencies can play a crucial role in reducing discrimination by enforcing and implementing existing anti-discriminatory laws and policies; reviewing laws and policies that promote discrimination, such as Sections 124 and 127 of the Police Act.
Ignorance has been a favorite excuse among armed personnel for discrimination. Idim suggested training and re-training security officials on handling discrimination cases and developing programmes that address its root causes.
She enjoined victims of discrimination to stand up against violations. “Your experiences are valid, and you deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, don’t ever think twice to speak up against injustices.”
On the other hand, she advised perpetrators to always rethink their actions so as to “work towards a world where zero discrimination is not just words but a reality.”
World Zero Discrimination Day, observed on March 1st, promotes the United Nations' commitment to end inequalities related to race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, and other factors. First celebrated by UNAIDS Director Michel Sidibe in 2014, the day advocates for policies against all forms of discrimination and supports equality and justice for everyone.
Rachel Idim from the BrenCare Foundation highlighted that discrimination is deeply ingrained in many societies, affecting ethnic minorities, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, religious minorities, and people with disabilities. The foundation emphasizes educating young people about sexual health and opposes discrimination, especially against women and children. According to WHO, 1 in 3 women faces violence in their lifetime, while 3 in 4 children aged 2-4 experience physical punishment and psychological violence.
Legal protections in Nigeria include Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution, prohibiting discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, gender, or social status. Additional laws such as the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act 2018, the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act 2015, and the Child Rights Act 2003 further protect vulnerable groups.
Idim argues that perpetrators of discrimination should face legal penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and compensation for victims. She stresses the importance of government and law enforcement in enforcing anti-discriminatory laws and educating security officials. She urges victims to stand up for their rights and calls on perpetrators to reconsider their actions to achieve a world with zero discrimination.
