Discrimination

Dependence on prejudicial treatment
Denial of right to freedom from active prejudice
Denial of right to equality

Nature

Discrimination means any distinction, exclusion or preference that has the effect of nullifying or impairing equal enjoyment of rights. Discrimination in practice is the limitation or deprivation of the rights of certain categories of citizens based on their religion, race, ethnic origin, sex, or any other characteristics. It is an antisocial problem that does not only affect those directly implicated and stems from hatred, false notions of racial superiority, antipathy, prejudice, ignorance, fear and intolerance.

Although discrimination is not usually persecution, in certain circumstances, especially when there is an accumulation of acts over time, or when there is an escalation in their intensity, it may then constitute persecution or lead to a well-founded fear of persecution.

Background

Discrimination emerged as a recognized global issue in the aftermath of World War II, when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) highlighted the need for equality. Subsequent international conventions, such as the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1965), underscored its pervasive impact. Over time, growing documentation and advocacy revealed discrimination’s complex manifestations across societies, prompting ongoing international efforts to monitor, address, and prevent its occurrence.

Incidence

Discrimination exists in employment, education, nutrition, health care, housing, immigration and migration laws, international relations, foreign aid, and in everyday social encounters.

Claim

Discrimination is a deeply rooted and urgent problem that continues to poison our society. It destroys lives, limits opportunities, and perpetuates injustice based on race, gender, religion, or other differences. Ignoring discrimination allows hatred and inequality to thrive, undermining the very foundation of fairness and human dignity. We must confront and eradicate discrimination wherever it exists, because a just and equitable world is impossible as long as this toxic problem persists.

Counter-claim

Discrimination is drawing of distinctions and marking of differences. It is primarily the power or act of making a judgement, particularly in distinguishing right and wrong. It has both positive and negative aspects.

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