International Day for Tolerance

Transcript

The 16th of November is the International Day for Tolerance. Since the end of World War II in 1945, the idea of tolerance has been at the center of international peace efforts. The Preamble to the Charter of the United Nations includes the phrase, to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours.

On the 16th of November, 1995, the General Conference of UNESCO adopted the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance. In today's podcast I want to read Article 1 of the Declaration, about the meaning of tolerance. It has four parts:

1. Tolerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. It is fostered by knowledge, openness, communication and freedom of thought, conscience and belief. Tolerance is harmony in difference. It is not only a moral duty, it is also a political and legal requirement. Tolerance, the virtue that makes peace possible, contributes to the replacement of the culture of war by a culture of peace.

2. Tolerance is not concession, condescension or indulgence. Tolerance is, above all, an active attitude prompted by recognition of the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others. In no circumstance can it be used to justify infringements of these fundamental values. Tolerance is to be exercised by individuals, groups and States.

3. Tolerance is the responsibility that upholds human rights, pluralism (including cultural pluralism), democracy and the rule of law. It involves the rejection of dogmatism and absolutism and affirms the standards set out in international human rights instruments.

4. Consistent with respect for human rights, the practice of tolerance does not mean toleration of social injustice or the abandonment or weakening of one's convictions. It means that one is free to adhere to one's own convictions and accepts that others adhere to theirs. It means accepting the fact that human beings, naturally diverse in their appearance, situation, speech, behaviour and values, have the right to live in peace and to be as they are. It also means that one's views are not to be imposed on others.

UNESCO. Declaration of Principles on Tolerance. 16 November 1995.

Some people mistake tolerance for weakness. They're wrong. Tolerance requires integrity, confidence, and courage.