United Nations Declares November 16 Day of Tolerance

Fight against intolerance is one of the main trends of the UN activity. Demand for tolerance has been required at present more than ever before, the address of the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on the occasion of the International Tolerance Day reads. The world marks it November 16, Kazinform refers to the UN Almaty office.

In terms of severe economic competition, people’s migration and space curtailment, the matter of coexistence of various cultures and religions has become more urgent.

It is essential to form culture of tolerance based on consolidation of legal protection and education. And personal initiative is of necessity as well. Everyone must long to learn more about one another, perceive the peculiarities and find out the best in religions and traditions of each other. Nothing but the process of mutual cognition let us understand that what unites us is much stronger that splits us, Kofi Annan considers.

Building tolerance and trust in diverse communities is not done overnight, but takes time and commitment. Building tolerance requires access to education. Intolerance is often rooted in ignorance and fear: fear of the unknown, of the "other", other cultures, religions and nations. Intolerance is also closely linked to an exaggerated sense of self-worth and pride: notions taught and learned at an early age. Therefore in coming years, we need to place greater emphasis on educating children about tolerance, human rights and fundamental freedoms.

But we should not forget that education does not end in school, that adults - firstly as individuals capable of committing acts of intolerance but more importantly in their capacity as parents, law-makers and law-enforcement officials - also need to be considered a priority target of our educational efforts.

International Day of Tolerance had been declared by UNESCO November 1995 on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.

Check out the United Nations web site.