What are the prohibited bases of discrimination in employment?
Bases of discrimination identified and prohibited in various international labour standards1 include: Distinctions based on race and/or colour are largely rooted in social and economic factors that do not have any objective basis. They commonly involve discrimination against an ethnic group or indigenous or tribal population. Sex discrimination includes distinctions made on the basis of biological characteristics and functions that distinguish men and women; and on the basis of social differences between men and women. Physical distinctions include any job specifications which are not essential to carrying out the prescribed duties, e.g., minimum height or weight requirements which do not impact job performance. Social distinctions include civil status, marital status, family situation and maternity2. Women are most commonly affected by discrimination based on sex, especially in the case of indirect discrimination. Religious discrimination includes distinctions made on the basis of exp
