Stories about discrimination

Discrimination is commonly defined as any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Discrimination lies at the root of many of the world’s pressing human rights issues and no country is immune from it.

The principles of equality and non-discrimination underpin International Law and the work of the UN human rights programme. This section features audio, video and written stories about people whose lives have been affected by discrimination and the work of the UN human rights office to end discrimination. 

Recent stories

High Commissioner: Complacency is discrimination’s best friend

Transitional justice in Burundi

An indigenous community in Burundi battles for equal treatment

In search of justice and a home

First World Human Rights Moot Court argues against discrimination

High Commissioner’s Keynote Address Human Rights Day, 2009

Minority Rights

History shackles Afro-Brazilians

A story of modern slavery

Quality Education for Indigenous Peoples

Migrant domestic workers

Stop racial profiling

Human rights vital in fighting AIDS

Protecting forcibly displaced women from discrimination and violence

Inequality before the law

Human rights claimed in the workplace

Bringing a case against racial profiling

Standing its ground: an indigenous community in the Philippines  

Justice and equality for all regardless of gender or sexual orientation

Twenty eight years on, people living with HIV still suffer discrimination

“Voices”: a call for more determination to combat racism

People of African Descent: Progress since Durban

High Commissioner: Crucial role of civil society in the implementation of anti-racism conference outcome

Double Odds: Women overcoming Multiple Discrimination

Anti-racism Durban Review Conference adopts final outcome document

The story of the Honourable Al Shaymaa J. Kwegyir

“United Against Racism”

Anti-racism Durban Review Conference opens in Geneva

Promoting and protecting the right to education for minorities

Preparations for anti-racism conference move forward

Lifting HIV-related travel restrictions

Unequal before the law High Commissioner: Complacency is discrimination’s best friend

First World Human Rights Moot Court argues against discrimination