November 16
International Day of Tolerance
Tolerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. UNESCO's 1995 Declaration of Principles of Tolerance. In 1996, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 51/95, which declared November 16 the International Day of Tolerance.
The UNESCO Declaration confirms that tolerance is not about indulgence or indifference, but about respecting and appreciating the rich diversity of our world cultures, expressions, and ways of being. Tolerance recognizes universal human rights and the basic freedoms of others. People are naturally diverse, and only tolerance can ensure the survival of mixed communities in every region of the world.
The UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence was established in 1995 on the occasion of the United Nations Year for Tolerance and the 125th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi. The prize recognizes significant activities in the scientific, artistic, cultural, or communication fields that promote the spirit of tolerance and non-violence. The creation of the prize was inspired by the ideals of the UNESCO Constitution, which states that if peace is not to fail, it must be founded on the intellectual and moral solidarity of humanity. The prize is awarded every two years on International Day for Tolerance, November 16. It can be awarded to institutions, organizations, or individuals who have made particularly meritorious and effective contributions to tolerance and non-violence.
