On November 16, the world celebrates the International Day of Tolerance.
The phenomenon of tolerance is so important in the modern world that on November 16, 1995, UNESCO adopted a Declaration on the Principles of Tolerance. “Tolerance means respect, acceptance and understanding of the rich diversity of cultures in our world, of all forms of self-expression and ways of manifesting human individuality. To have tolerance – there must be knowledge, openness, communication and freedom of thought, conscience and belief”, says article one of the Declaration.
A year later, the UN General Assembly proposes to celebrate the International Day of Tolerance every year on November 16.
Also Voltaire in his essay “Tolerance" writes: “Discord is the great evil of the human race, and tolerance is the only way out of it. This is the property of humanity.". And in the “Treatise on Tolerance" he observes: "Intolerance is that dark superstition which induces weak souls to impute crimes to anyone who does not think like them." And he adds: "The right of intolerance is absurd and barbaric."
In our world, tolerance is more important than ever, it is not concession, indulgence or reconciliation, it is a necessity to achieve understanding. Lack of tolerance is the main step towards discrimination. Tolerance is not only a moral duty, but also a political and legal necessity. It is a virtue that makes possible the achievement of peace and contributes to the replacement of the culture of war with the culture of peace.
In order to preserve and build a more tolerant world, cooperation is needed from all institutions, as well as from the whole society. Equality bodies and civil society organizations must work together, coordinate their efforts in order to find the best solution to respect the rights of people exposed to discrimination and intolerance.
Human tolerance and charity are not a fashion line. It is a daily fight against prejudices and delusions for respecting the identity of the different, for an unceasing respect for the right of the other to be himself. It is especially important that people, as part of this society, realize that they are responsible for guaranteeing and implementing this right. It is necessary that this maxim conditions our perception of the world every day.