Welcome to the United Nations
What is it?
The principle of non-discrimination holds that, to respect, protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, access to public service is to be provided on general terms of equality, without distinction of any kind as to race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability or other status.
Why is it important?
The 2030 Agenda represents the unequivocal commitment of all UN Member States to eradicate poverty in all its forms, end discrimination and exclusion, and reduce the inequalities and vulnerabilities that leave people behind and undermine the potential of individuals and of humanity as a whole. SDG target 16.b specifically calls for the promotion and enforcement of non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development as a major cause of people being left behind are persistent forms of discrimination, including gender discrimination, which leave individuals, families and whole communities marginalized and excluded.
Commonly used strategies
Commonly used strategies to operationalize the principle of non-discrimination include the promotion of public sector workforce diversity, the prohibition of discrimination in public service delivery, multilingual service delivery, accessibility standards, cultural audit of institutions, universal birth registration and gender-responsive budgeting.
What are some key insights for governments?
The principles of equality and non-discrimination are at the heart of human rights and help to reduce disadvantage on numerous grounds and in many areas. Many of the barriers that people face in accessing services, resources and equal opportunities are not simply accidents of fate or a lack of availability of resources, but rather the result of discriminatory laws, policies and social practices that leave particular groups of people behind. It is therefore important to promote equality and counter discrimination through laws and institutions, and encourage rights-based and inclusive public narratives.
Technical guidance for government officials
 | CEPA strategy guidance note on promotion of public sector workforce diversity (draft) |