“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, of opinion and expression, and that education should promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups”. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948
The United Nations’ (UN) International Day for Tolerance is observed on November 16th every year to educate and assist people in understanding the importance of tolerance worldwide. The annual observance was declared in 1995, to generate international public awareness of the dangers of intolerances like injustice, violence, marginalization and discrimination, as well as to enhance the awareness in maintaining peace among people. Tolerance is neither passive nor silent, and acceptance of differences is inseparable from respect for fundamental human rights. This day is a commitment to facilitating exchanges and dialogue, which can lead to inward-looking attitudes. It is a call to question prejudice and our own commonly-held beliefs. Many teachers and educators use the theme of this day to help students in classrooms understand issues centered on tolerance, human rights and non-violence. Live discussions and debates take place across the world on this day, focusing on how various forms of injustice, oppression, racism and unfair discrimination have a negative impact on society. The following links are ways to participate.
United Nations International Day of Tolerance Website
http://www.un.org/en/events/toleranceday/
8 Ways to Participate in International Day of Peace
https://www.hiusa.org/about-us/hiusa-news/8-ways-to-participate-in-international-day-of-peace
Teaching Tolerance