Gallery: In the face of discrimination

A photography exhibition opposing discrimination across Europe opens in Croatia this weekend. We showcase the inspirational pictures

An autistic young girl breaks into a rare smile as she is encouraged to dance by a friendly guiding hand; an elderly white man and a dark-skinned, plaited-haired girl, spotted through a window, share a smile and conversation; an able-bodied athlete grips the hand of a runner with special needs as they reach the finish line together – these are the images of a diverse Europe, according to a new photography exhibition.

Opening in Split, Croatia, on Saturday, 'Yes to Diversity, no to discrimination' is a collection of 12 photographs that marks the conclusion of a Europe-wide Amnesty International competition.

It is being opened by renowned Amnesty supporter, BBC commentator and former NBA basketball star John Amaechi, the first professional player in the NBA to come out as gay.

Amateur photographers from across Europe were challenged to submit powerful images promoting the value of a society without discrimination, with the 500-plus entries being judged by a panel of professional photographers and human rights activists.

Click here or 'VIEW GALLERY' above to see the winning 12 entries and get some insight into the photographers' inspiration

'Yes to Diversity, no to discrimination' opens at Pučko Otvoreno Učilište (the Centre for Cultural and Educational Activities) in Split on Saturday