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Zero Discrimination Day (Celebrated on March 1)

• Gk Section
• Posted on 09/18/202511/19/2025

Zero Discrimination Day History, Theme, Significance and FAQs

Zero Discrimination Day is a UN-recognized international day celebrated on March 1 every year to spread the message against discrimination. The United Nations (UN) as well as other international bodies observe Zero Discrimination Day to encourage equality under the law and in practice in all UN member countries.

This day aims to encourage people to treat everyone with respect and equality. In particular, this day aims to end the stigma that people with HIV/AIDS face. Here, we have shared information about everything you need to know about Zero Discrimination Day.

About Zero Discrimination Day

The UNAIDS (United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS) launched Zero Discrimination Day on February 27, 2014. This day is celebrated on March 1, every year, to encourage people to treat people infected with HIV/AIDS with dignity and respect. Zero Discrimination Day aims to spread the message that everyone deserves to be treated equally.

Question. What is Zero Discrimination Day?
Answer. Zero Discrimination Day is a day to emphasize the right of all individuals to enjoy healthy and respect. This day especially aims to end the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS and the people infected with it. Zero Discrimination Day was established by UNAIDS in 2014.

Zero Discrimination Day Theme

Every year on Zero Discrimination Day, UNAIDS set a new theme which initiates a conversation about treating people with HIV/AIDS with equality. Check out the previous years’ themes on Zero Discrimination Day shared here.

Zero Discrimination Day – History

Zero Discrimination Day is an initiative of UNAIDS, the organisation that conducts global campaigns for HIV/AIDS. We have shared more about the history of this day here:

Zero Discrimination Day was launched on February 27, 2014, by then-Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibe.

In December 2013, Zero Discrimination began as a campaign with the same title.

UNAIDS, the organisation that has supported the cause of eliminating oppressive practices against individuals living with HIV/AIDS in the UN member nations, first honoured this day on March 1, 2014.

On the official declaration of Zero Discrimination Day, more than 30 corporate leaders signed a vow to end workplace discrimination.

Question. When is Zero Discrimination Day celebrated?
Answer. Zero Discrimination Day is celebrated every year on March 1. The United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) launched this day on February 2014. Zero Discrimination Day was celebrated for the first time on March 1, of the same year. All United Nations partner countries observe this day to end the stigma around HIV/AIDS.

Zero Discrimination Day – Significance

Zero Discrimination Day is a significant occasion as it raises public awareness about forms of discrimination, and also persuades systems to legally stop it. Here are some other reasons why this Zero Discrimination Day is considered significant:

• Several countries still have regulations that are derogatory against women or children. For example, laws do not grant women the very same rights to marriage and election as they do to men. Zero Discrimination Day raises awareness about these issues.
• The LGBTQ community does not have the very same rights as the heterosexual community and is often stigmatized for HIV/AIDS. Zero Discrimination Day starts a conversation about ending the stigma around the disease and the community itself.
• Many countries have faulty judicial and legal frameworks, which have historically resulted in the isolation of a few ethnicities or sections of people from critical services, marginalisation, and oppression. Zero Discrimination Day challenges these frameworks.

Zero Discrimination Day 2023 – Activities

• Zero Discrimination Day can be observed simply by taking part in different activities, sharing tales or pictures, and discussing it in your local networks.
• The United Nations organises multiple campaigns and events to commemorate everyone’s right to live a dignified and honourable life, regardless of their age, gender, faith, class, ethnicity, nationality, weight, height, or occupation.
• You can become a volunteer to spread the message of ending the stigma against HIV/AIDS on Zero Discrimination Day.

Question. Who established Zero Discrimination Day?
Answer. UNAIDS (United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS) is responsible for establishing Zero Discrimination Day. In February 2014, the Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibe declared this day for the first time. Subsequently, Zero Discrimination Day was celebrated for the first time the following year, on March 1, 2014.