Zero Discrimination Day celebrated in Tajikistan

Zero Discrimination Day was celebrated for the first time in Tajikistan on 27 February 2014, through a series of policy and public awareness events.

Roundtable

Results of national research on forms of stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Tajikistan were presented at a special roundtable meeting organized at the United Nations premises in Dushanbe. Heads of international and local organizations, experts from the Commonwealth of Independent States and representatives of several United Nations agencies, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, legal organizations and PLHIV discussed ways to overcome stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, which exists in all parts of the world.

The initiative was supported by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, United Nations Children’s Fund and United Nations Development Programme, jointly with the WHO Country Office. The meeting provided a good opportunity for local mass media and representatives of international and local organizations working in the field of HIV/AIDS to share information. Mass media plays a particularly influential role in coverage of these issues and in influencing public opinion.

Youth awareness

Education and awareness raising events were organized by youth and young sportsmen with the slogan “Youth Against Discrimination”.  Young people gave a Taekwondo performance and children used street art to draw attention to the topic.

Video clips were broadcast and information materials disseminated among students at city colleges to raise awareness about stigma and discrimination and successful ways for reducing it.

The WHO Country Office took an active part in providing leaflets, reports and other publications on stigma and discrimination during an exhibition dedicated to this campaign.