Why does the International Day for Tolerance exist and what is the story behind this day? Let’s find out together.
“Lenity is a part of justice.”
– Joseph Joubert. [1]
If we mention the synonyms of tolerance, they will be respect, acceptance, and appreciation for the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression, and our ways of being human. This tolerance is reinforced by knowledge, openness, communication, and freedom of thought, conscience, and belief. It is harmony in the context of difference, and it is not only a moral duty but also a political and legal duty as well.
Tolerance is the virtue that facilitates the accomplishment of peace and contributes to achieving a culture of peace instead of a culture of war. Tolerance is the responsibility that upholds human rights, diversity (including cultural diversity), democracy, and the rule of law. It involves the rejection of dogmatism and absolutism and affirms the standards set out in international human rights instruments.
The United Nations is committed to reinforcing tolerance by promoting mutual understanding between cultures and peoples. The necessity of this commitment lies at the heart of the Charter of the United Nations, as well as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is more important now than ever. Especially in this era of increased violent extremism and the breadth of conflicts that ignore human life.
In 1996, the General Assembly invited the Member States to observe the International Day for Tolerance on 16 November, with appropriate activities directed towards both educational establishments and the wider public (Resolution 51/95 of December 12). This action came in the wake of the 1993 declaration by the General Assembly of 1995 as the United Nations Year for Tolerance. At the UNESCO General Conference on November 16, 1995, Member States adopted the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance and a Plan of Action for the Follow-up to the United Nations Year for Tolerance.
The United Nations Assembly issued the “UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence”. This award was established in 1995 to mark the United Nations Year for Tolerance and the 125th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi. That year, UNESCO Member States adopted the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance. The creation of the Prize was inspired by the ideals of UNESCO’s Constitution. The charter states that “peace must be founded, if it is not to fail, upon the intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind.”
The prize, which is awarded every two years during an official ceremony marking the International Day for Tolerance (16 November), is a reward for personalities, institutions, or organizations that have distinguished themselves for particularly meritorious initiatives. It also aims at promoting understanding and settling international or national problems in a spirit of tolerance and non-violence. [2]
On the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of UNESCO on November 16, 1995, Member States adopted a Declaration of Principles on Tolerance, which affirms that tolerance does not mean indulgence or indifference. Rather, it is respect and appreciation for the rich diversity of this world’s cultures, expressions and lifestyles adopted by humans. Tolerance recognizes universal human rights and the fundamental freedoms of others, and since people are diverse by nature, only tolerance can ensure the survival of mixed societies in every region of the world.
The Declaration defines tolerance not only as a moral obligation but also as a political and legal condition for individuals, groups, and nations. It also links the issue of tolerance in international human rights instruments that have been developed over the past fifty years. That emphasizes the importance of states drafting new legislation when necessary to ensure equal treatment and equal opportunities for all groups and individuals in society.
Discrimination and marginalization, along with blatant injustice and violence, are common forms of intolerance. Therefore, education for tolerance should aim at staving off influences that generate feelings of fear and exclusion from others. It should also help young people develop their capacities to make independent judgments and stimulate critical reflection and moral reasoning. The diversity of religions, languages, cultures, and ethnicities in our world should not be an excuse for conflict. Rather, it is a treasure from which all mankind is enriched. [2]
Women have always been exposed to inequalities in all fields. Therefore, the International Day for Tolerance came as one of the solutions to raise awareness of gender tolerance. This has helped support gender equality and non-violent issues, especially with women. All for the purpose of tolerance and peace.
An example of women’s participation in tolerance campaigns is the participation of some women in the Colombian negotiations calling for tolerance and peace. [3]
As our initiative aims at building a cohesive, strong, and harmonious society with its members and their differences. In view of its belief that tolerance is a fundamental pillar for achieving peace and harmony among individuals, and that this goal can only be achieved through peace, we believe that practicing tolerance in our lives contributes to the elevation of our society and all its members.
Also read:
♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peacebuilding in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.
References:
[1] Hekam
[2] UN
[3] UN Women