International Day for Tolerance

16 November

Background:
On the day of its fiftieth anniversary, 16 November 1995, UNESCO's Member States
adopted a Declaration of Principles on Tolerance.
Among other things, the Declaration affirms that tolerance is neither indulgence nor
indifference. It is respect and appreciation of the rich variety of our world's cultures, our
forms of expression and ways of being human. Tolerance recognizes the universal
human rights and fundamental freedoms of others. People are naturally diverse; only
tolerance can ensure the survival of mixed communities in every region of the globe.
The Declaration qualifies tolerance not only as a moral duty, but also as a political and
legal requirement for individuals, groups and States. It situates tolerance in relation to
the international human rights instruments drawn up over the past fifty years and
emphasizes that States should draft new legislation when necessary to ensure equality of
treatment and of opportunity for all groups and individuals in society.
Along with outright injustice and violence, discrimination and marginalization are
common forms of intolerance. Education for tolerance should aim at countering
influences that lead to fear and exclusion of others, and should help young people
develop capacities for independent judgement, critical thinking and ethical reasoning.
The diversity of our world's many religions, languages, cultures and ethnicities is not a
pretext for conflict, but is a treasure that enriches us all.
This imperative also lies at the core of the United Nations Charter, as well as the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and is more important than ever in this era of
rising and violent extremism and widening conflicts that are characterized by a
fundamental disregard for human life.
Message on tolerance by Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO:
In a world of diversity, tolerance is a prerequisite for peace. It is also a lever for
sustainable development, as it encourages the construction of more inclusive and thus
more resilient societies that are able to draw on the ideas, creative energy and talents of
each of their members.
We have seen the rise in racist attitudes and stereotyping of religions and cultures, as it
is said that different peoples cannot live together and that the world would be a better

place if we returned to olden times when pure cultures lived alone, protected from
outside influence, in a mythicized past that has never existed.
We must counter this tendency to isolationism by restoring strength and substance to
the culture of tolerance. We must again emphasize the extent to which cultures are
enriched by mutual exchange. We must remember the historical facts, recall how
peoples and identities have mingled, engendering richer, more complex cultures with
multiple identities. Using the living testimony of world heritage sites, we can show that
no culture has ever grown in isolation, and that diversity is a strength, not a weakness.
We must say again that tolerance is not naive or passive acceptance of difference: it is a
fight for the respect of fundamental rights. Tolerance is not relativism or indifference. It
is a commitment renewed every day to seek in our diversity the bonds that unite
humanity.
Notable Quotes on Tolerance:
I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.
Voltaire
Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the
oppression or persecution of others. John F. Kennedy
Non-violence is not a garment to be put on and off at will. Its seat is in the heart, and it
must be an inseparable part of our being." Mahatma Gandhi
Laws alone cannot secure freedom of expression; in order that every man present his
views without penalty there must be spirit of tolerance in the entire population."
Albert Einstein
If civilization is to survive, we must cultivate the science of human relationships - the
ability of all peoples, of all kinds, to live together, in the same world at peace." Franklin
D.Roosevelt
Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding. - Mohandas K.
Gandhi
The highest result of education is tolerance Helen Keller
Ignorance and prejudice are the handmaidens of propaganda. Our mission, therefore,
is to confront ignorance with knowledge, bigotry with tolerance, and isolation with the
outstretched hand of generosity. Racism can, will, and must be defeated. Kofi Annan

Documents Links:
1. General Assembly resolution establishing the International Day for Tolerance
(A/RES/51/95, 1996): http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?
symbol=A/RES/51/95
2. General Assembly resolution proclaiming International Year for Tolerance
(A/RES/48/126, 1993): http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?
symbol=A/RES/48/126
3. UNESCO Declaration of Principles on Tolerance:
http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0015/001518/151830eo.pdf