“Any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by all persons, on an equal footing, of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
Source: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, 37e session of the Human Rights Committee, General Comment No. 18, paragraph 7, November 10, 1989.