On November 16, 1995, UNESCO member states adopted the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance. In 1996, the UN General Assembly invited Member States to observe the International Day for Tolerance annually on 16 November, with activities aimed at both educational institutions and the general public (resolution 51/95).
The Declaration of Principles on Tolerance proclaims that all human beings are by nature different but equal in their dignity and rights. According to the document, tolerance means respect, acceptance and proper understanding of the rich diversity of cultures of the world, forms of self-expression and ways of expressing human individuality. At the state level, tolerance requires fair and impartial legislation, respect for law and order and judicial, procedural and administrative standards. Tolerance also requires that every person be given opportunities for economic and social development without any discrimination. In the fight against intolerance, laws are necessary, but in some cases insufficient.
The most effective means of preventing intolerance is, according to the declaration, education, which begins with teaching people what their common rights and freedoms are to ensure the enjoyment of these rights, and with promoting the desire to protect the rights of others.
Education plays no less a role. Intolerance has its roots in ignorance and fear. Intolerance is also closely linked to exaggerated self-esteem and pride, whether personal, national or religious. These concepts are embedded in the learning process and are learned from childhood. Therefore, more attention should be paid to education. More efforts must be made to educate children about concepts such as human rights and other lifestyles.
The United Nations is committed to promoting tolerance by enhancing mutual understanding between cultures and peoples. This urgent need is at the heart of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is even more relevant in the current era of increasing and violent extremism, the spread of radicalism and the expansion of conflicts, one of the hallmarks of which is complete disregard for human life.
Recent years have seen a sharp increase in the incidence of intolerance, extremism and violence around the world. This worrying trend is partly fueled by the growing tendency to define differences in terms of identity rather than in terms of opinions or interests.
As a result, individuals and entire communities become targets of violence and cruelty only because of their ethnic, religious, national or other identity. Such threats, be it large-scale genocide or daily humiliation due to prejudice, should be alarming to every person.
Each of us must strive to uphold the principles of tolerance, pluralism, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. We must always be prepared to eliminate stereotypes and distorted perceptions and advocate for victims of discrimination.
It is important to remember that diversity, embodied in thoughts, beliefs and actions, is a valuable gift, not a threat. It is necessary to strive to create more tolerant communities in whose lives this fundamental ideal will take root.
In 1995, to commemorate the UN Year of Tolerance and the 125th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi (celebrated in 1994), UNESCO established the Madanjit Singh Prize (Indian artist, writer and diplomat, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador) for promoting tolerance and non-violence, which is awarded for active work in the scientific, artistic, cultural or communication fields aimed at creating an atmosphere of tolerance and non-violence.
The prize is awarded every two years and is awarded to coincide with the International Day of Tolerance. The prize may be awarded to institutions, organizations or individuals for significant contributions and effective efforts to promote tolerance and non-violence. Thus, in 2014, the winners of the Prize were activists defending human rights, Ibrahim Ag Idbaltanat (Mali) and Francisco Javier Estevez Valencia (Chile); in 2016, the Russian Federal Scientific and Methodological Center in the field of psychology and pedagogy of tolerance (Tolerance Center). In 2018, the award was awarded to Canadian director Manon Barbeau and Kenyan NGO «Coexistence Initiative». In 2020, the — Center Résolution Conflits from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which was recognized for its work in protecting human rights, for its tireless commitment to rescuing child soldiers in the ranks of militants, as well as for their rehabilitation and reintegration into their home communities. In 2022, the award winner was Franca Ma-ih Sulem Yong of Cameroon, president of NGO #Afrogiveness and Positive Youth Africa.
Postcard «November 16 — International Day dedicated to tolerance» Story «Hate»