Day for Tolerance
The United Nations’ (UN) International Day for Tolerance is annually observed on November 16 to educate people about the need for tolerance in society and to help them understand the negative effects of intolerance
Why is Day for Tolerance important
It helps spread awareness of intolerance and educates how to be more tolerant.
How to observe Day for Tolerance
- Celebrate together with your community. Getting together with your neighbors, co-workers and you might be surprised at how diverse the group is. Try to get to know more about them, through music, dances, and arts to showcase their cultural influences. If budget allows, organize a concert and cultural fest to bring together a range of diverse groups.
- Say No to Violence. Agree to disagree and learn to respect the person whose thoughts and ideas you don’t agree with. Fighting and causing vicious acts won’t solve any issues.
- Showcase Diversity. Just like animals and plants, we humans will not be able to survive if we are all the same. Our diversity is what makes life colorful and unique. Think of projects you can do in your school that can showcase the valuable benefits of adapting the spirit of tolerance in embracing world cultures.
- Get into Sports. Any sports activity develops camaraderie and sportsmanship. Invite some of your foreign friends over a game of basketball or volleyball and see unity happen.
- Art for a Cause. Use your talent to promote peace. A painting, a sketch, photo, or sculpture can speak volumes. Communicate to the world through your masterpiece.
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Tip:
It is a day for respecting the cultures, beliefs, and traditions of others and understanding the risks posed by intolerance.
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Resources
- General Assembly: International Day for Tolerance
- General Assembly: International Year for Tolerance
- General Assembly: Alliance of Civilizations
- World Summit Outcome Document
- UNESCO: Declaration of Principles on Tolerance
- UNESCO: Integrated Strategy to Combat Racism, Discrimination, Xenophobia and Intolerance
- UNESCO: Manual for developing intercultural competencies: story circles
Reference Sites
- UN and other international NGO
- Non-Profits website for the observance