International Day for Tolerance - 16 November.

Every year on November 16th, the International Day for Tolerance generates awareness of the dangers of intolerance. Since the inception of this day, it’s been the UN’s goal to strengthen tolerance by fostering mutual understanding among cultures and peoples.

Just because people don’t agree with one another doesn’t mean they can’t peacefully coexist. It’s called tolerance. Tolerance is the best way for diverse people and mixed communities to survive. In a world where violent extremism and disregard for human life is becoming the norm, tolerance is more important than ever. Tolerance recognizes the universal human rights and fundamental freedom of others.

UNESCO views tolerance as respect, acceptance, and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world’s cultures. It includes our forms of expression and ways of being human. Intolerance is just the opposite. Injustice, marginalization, and discrimination are all forms of intolerance. Much must be done to counter intolerance.

Some ways to counter intolerance include:

• Enforce human rights and punish all instances of hate crimes and discrimination
• Educate children about tolerance, human rights, and other cultures and ways of life
• Develop policies that allow access to information and freedom of the press
• Use nonviolent action to discredit hateful propaganda and end discrimination

In 1995, the UN observed the United Nations Year for Tolerance. That same year, UNESCO’s Member States adopted a Declaration of Tolerance on November 16, 1995. The date marked the organization’s fiftieth anniversary. On November 16th, 1996, the UN General Assembly invited the UN Member States to observe the first-ever International Day of Tolerance.

Source: https://nationaldaycalendar.com

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