How is discrimination defined in relation to human rights law?

Discrimination, in the context of human rights law, is defined as unfair treatment based on individual characteristics such as race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or religion. This definition emphasizes that discrimination involves a negative bias against individuals or groups based on inherent qualities or characteristics that are often not under their control.

Human rights law aims to protect individuals from this unfair treatment by promoting equality and prohibiting discrimination in various contexts, including employment, access to services, and participation in public life. By recognizing that individuals should be treated fairly and equitably regardless of their personal characteristics, the legal framework seeks to foster an inclusive society where everyone has equal opportunity and protection under the law.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of discrimination in relation to human rights law. Unequal treatment based on legal status focuses on a specific circumstance rather than individual characteristics, preference for minority groups does not encompass the concept of discrimination in a negative sense, and legal bias against public officials pertains to a different context rather than the broader scope of human rights.