Hector's Message on Tolerance Day

In 1996, the UN General Assembly (by resolution 51/95) invited UN Member States to observe the International Day for Tolerance on 16 November, with activities directed towards both educational establishments and the wider public.

This action followed on the United Nations Year for Tolerance, 1995, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 at the initiative of UNESCO, as outlined in 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) furthered 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. 

This day is very important because there is intolerance everywhere. Almost every human being on this planet is carrying intolerance in his/her mind and that intolerance often takes the form of violence and other hate crimes. This day is not observed much like other international Observance days because people are not tolerant to anything they don’t like.

There are two main reasons why people are intolerant to each other i.e. “Religion” and “Race”. We must all understand that we are same human beings no matter what our color of skin is. Racial intolerance was the reason behind World War 2 which destroyed the lives of millions around the globe.

Religious intolerance on the other hand is growing even more than racial intolerance. Almost every country on this planet is in the grip of religious intolerance. There are religious extremist organizations which are responsible for many terrorist attacks across the planet. There is no religion which teaches any person to hate. There is one common message in all religions which is “love”.

So it’s better to put the differences aside and look what is common in us. We are all same and are equal to each other no matter what our race, culture, religion or language is. We must understand that we are human beings and we must tolerate each other in order to live with peace and harmony. Tolerance is the one which separates human beings from animals. There is no tolerance in animals, but we are different and we can tolerate each other.

As we all face the complex and global challenges of our times, Peace Worldwide will continue to work for the mutual understanding among people and countries. Tolerate each other, not only for yourselves but for your coming generations.

Hector Aleem

Chairman

Peace Worldwide