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In 1996, the General Assembly invited Member States to observe the International Day for Tolerance on 16 November, with activities directed towards both educational establishments and the wider public (resolution 51/95 of 12 December). This action came in the wake of the United Nations Year for Tolerance, 1995, proclaimed by the Assembly in 1993 (resolution 48/126). The Year had been declared on the initiative of the General Conference of UNESCO. On 16 November 1995, the UNESCO member States had adopted the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance and Follow-up Plan of Action for the Year.

The 2005 World Summit Outcome document (A/RES/60/1), outlines the commitment of Heads of State and Government to advance human welfare, freedom and progress everywhere, as well as to encourage tolerance, respect, dialogue and cooperation among different cultures, civilizations and peoples.

THE SECRETARYGENERAL MESSAGE ON INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR TOLERANCE

16 November 2008

Tolerance provides the basis for mutual understanding and respect. It is an
approach to life that allows for the rich diversity of the world’s cultures to flourish. It is also a cornerstone of our efforts to promote global harmony. As stated in the 1995 UNESCO Declaration of Principles on Tolerance, tolerance is “the virtue that makes peace possible [and] contributes to the replacement of the culture of war by a culture of peace.”

The promotion of tolerance is particularly important in today’s era of rapidly
increasing globalization, mobility and interdependence. While diversity is an invaluable asset, it can also be a source of tension. Tolerance can diffuse potential conflicts. It can help prevent theories of racial or cultural superiority from emerging, and help societies to gradually overcome longheld prejudices and negative stereotypes.

Tolerance should not be mistaken for concession or condescension. Genuine
tolerance is about openness, curiosity and communication. It goes hand in hand with
knowledge and understanding. Education is one of the best ways to prevent intolerance,by revealing similarities between people and spreading a healthy respect for differences.

Nor should tolerance be confused with indifference. Being tolerant does not mean
being passive in the face of racism, xenophobia and exclusion, or silent when minorities,refugees, migrant workers and other vulnerable groups face abuse. Tolerance is an injunction to all of us to stand up and speak out in defense of all who are deprived of their fundamental rights and freedoms.

On the International Day for Tolerance, and in this year in which we commemorate the 60 th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, I call on all people to renew our commitment to tolerance. And let us redouble our efforts to achieve, through tolerance, our longsought goal of a global culture of harmony and peace.