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
