In order to combat inequality, discrimination, and prejudice, United Nations (UN) designated March 1 as “Zero Discrimination Day” in 2014. With Zero Discrimination Day, it is aimed to raise awareness around the world and prevent discrimination on the ground of differences such as age, nationality, race, religion, language, sex, political and philosophical opinion, ethnicity, social class and disability, and to protect and defend human rights on every platform.

The prohibition of discrimination, which is an indispensable part of the principle of equality, is one of the important principles of international human rights law. This principle has been specifically stressed and guaranteed in international and regional human rights documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights. These documents guarantee everyone's right to non-discrimination. On 10 December 1948, UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on the grounds that the protection of human dignity of each member of the family of humanity, equality and the establishment of fundamental rights and freedoms constitute the fundamental guarantee of freedom, justice and peace in the world. The main mission of the Declaration is regulated in Article 1 with the statement “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”

The principle of equality and prohibition of discrimination are also regulated and guaranteed in our national legislation. Article 10 of our Constitution which has the provision of “All individuals are equal without any discrimination before the law, irrespective of language, race, color, sex, political opinion, philosophical belief, religion and sect, or any such considerations. [...] No privilege shall be granted to any individual, family, group or class. State organs and administrative authorities are obliged to act in compliance with the principle of equality before the law in all their proceedings,” the principle of equality was given constitutional guarantee. With the Article 3 of Law No. 6701 on Human Rights and Equality Institution of Türkiye which has the provision, “it is prohibited under this Law to discriminate against persons based on the grounds of sex, race, colour, language, religion, belief, sect, philosophical or political opinion, ethnical origin, wealth, birth, marital status, health status, disability and age.” discrimination is strongly prohibited.

When we look at the history of human rights, we see that the struggle for human rights also includes the struggle for equal enjoyment of these rights.  Despite these endeavors, it is seen that many countries still have no comprehensive, effective regulations and administrative practices to prevent discrimination and establish equality even today. Today, in the diversified countries of the world, there are millions of people who are arrested for shouting slogans to support Palestine, who are prevented from going to school because they are Muslims, who are not allowed to work because of their hijabs, who are subjected to police violence because of their skin color, who are prohibited from performing religious worship, and who are left to death and hunger because of their beliefs. All these tragic incidents show that in order to establish equality and prevent discrimination, it is important to implement appropriate policies and practices as well as legal regulations.

As Human Rights and Equality Institution of Türkiye, main mission of which is to protect the right to equal treatment of persons on the basis of human dignity and prevention of discrimination in exercising the legally acknowledged rights and freedoms, we effectively continue our activities with the aim of protecting human dignity and improving human rights within the framework of this institutional mission. On the occasion of March 1, Zero Discrimination Day, we invite all actors to take the necessary measures to establish the principle of equality and prevent discrimination in line with their obligations arising from treaties and wish for an egalitarian world order where all kinds of prejudice, discrimination and violence come to an end and individuals can enjoy their rights on the basis of equal rights.

Respectfully announced to the public.