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Striving for zero discrimination
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On March 1, Indonesia joins countries around the world to mark Zero Discrimination Day. Anyone, anywhere can stand up for stigma and discrimination. (Shutterstock/File)
O
n March 1, Indonesia joins countries around the world to mark Zero Discrimination Day. Anyone, anywhere can stand up for stigma and discrimination.
At the Krisna Werda Social Protection house for seniors in Bogor, West Java, an innovative program is doing just that. Once a week, the elderly residents of the home receive a visit from some young volunteers, who brighten their day with songs, dance and other entertainment.
For the volunteers, helping out is a way to counteract the discrimination many have experienced as people who use drugs. This program is also part of the voluntary drug rehabilitation treatment provided by the community-based organization Rumah Singgah PEKA. Participants describe how entertaining the seniors proves they can contribute to society. One volunteer said, “When they are happy, I am proud and thankful.”
Yuyun Yunara is one of the senior residents and said, “We already consider them as family, just like our own grandchildren.”
This sense of dignity and respect is both important to overcome self-stigma and to show the world that people who use drugs have the same capacity as anyone else to live a full and productive life. Such interactions are a crucial part of the rehabilitation that the people who use drugs are receiving.
Zero Discrimination Day is an opportunity to highlight how everyone can be part of the transformation and take a stand for a fair and just society. This year’s theme is dedicated to eliminating discrimination in health-care settings.
Health-care settings should be safe and non-discriminatory. Everyone, including people who use drugs have a right to access quality medical care, which respects their privacy and confidentiality and obtains their consent prior to a medical intervention in a caring environment.
