Today, on the 16th of November 2019, we celebrate International Day of Tolerance. On this day, we recognize the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others. Our world is naturally diverse, but only the tolerance of our people can ensure the survival of mixed communities, internationally.
“Tolerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human” (UNESCO's 1995 Decleration of Principles on Tolerance). Moreover, as stated in resolution 28/C, in the 28th session of the UNESCO General Conference, “Tolerance is fostered by knowledge, openness, communication, and freedom of thought, conscience and belief. Tolerance is harmony in difference. It is not only a moral duty, it is also a political and legal requirement. Tolerance, the virtue that makes peace possible, contributes to the replacement of the culture of war by a culture of peace”.
In 1995, the UNESCO Member States adopted the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance, and the 125th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth was honored by creating a UNESCO prize to promote the spirit of tolerance and non-violence. UNESCO’s Constitution proclaims that “peace, if it is not to fail, must be founded on the intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind”. The UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize is awarded to signficant institutions, organizations or individuals every two years on the 16th of November, who have particularly contributed in an effective manner to tolerance and non-violence.
Strengthening tolerance by fostering mutual understanding among cultures and individuals lies at the core of the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and is more important than ever in this generation of rising violent extremism and growing conflicts where fundamental disregard for human life lies at its roots.
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