The importance of upholding the concept of non- discrimination, which is at the heart of human rights, should be stressed on international Human Rights Day on Thursday, the United Nations said, dpa reported.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said in a message on Wednesday that non-discrimination will remain the theme on each anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, which took place on December 10, 1948, in the UN General Assembly.
"Today, we have a whole range of rights-based international treaties imbued throughout with the concept of non-discrimination," Pillay said.
These treaties deal with the rights of children, people with disabilities, refugees and migrants, and the elimination of racial discrimination as well as discrimination against women.
"Yet discrimination is still rampant," Pillay said.
She cited the example of the female work force, which accounts for two-thirds of the world's working hours. Yet women earn only 10 per cent of the world's income.
Pillay urged governments, political and business leaders, civil society, the media and religious leaders to honour Human Rights Day this year by "embracing diversity and resolving to take concrete and lasting actions to help put an end to discrimination."
UN emphasizes non-discrimination ahead of Human Rights Day
