See, e.g., art. Such preferential treatment is not considered to be discriminatory when it has as its purpose to diminish or eliminate conditions that cause or help to perpetuate discrimination.55Thus.any law, programme or practice that seeks the amelioration of disadvantaged conditions of individuals or groups cannot be considered discriminatory. International human rights instruments prohibit discrimination as to "race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status” (see, e.g., art.