Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, of opinion and expression, and that education

should promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948 Established by the United Nations, the International day for Tolerance is observed each year on November 16. The focus is to remind the people of global community the absolute importance of being tolerant and avoiding intolerance and bigotry. The Meaning 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. It is fostered by knowledge, openness, communication, and freedom of thought, conscience and belief. Tolerance is harmony in difference. It is not only a moral duty, it is also a political and legal requirement. Tolerance, the virtue that makes peace possible, contributes to the replacement of the culture of war by a culture of peace. Background United Nations celebrated year 1995 as the Year of Tolerance. Following this, the UN General assembly invited member states to observe the. On November 16, 1995, the UNESCO member states adopted the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance and Follow-up Plan of Action for the year. The 2005 World Summit Outcome document outlines 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. The UNs International Day for Tolerance is a global observance and not a public holiday. Secretary-General's Message for 2012 Tolerance is the foundation for mutual respect among people and communities, and is vital for building a single global society around shared values. It is a virtue and a quality, but above all, tolerance is an act the act of reaching out to others and seeing differences not as barriers, but as invitations for dialogue and understanding. Theme of Day In our globalizing world, tolerance is more essential than ever. Dialogue must prevail over violence, understanding over indifference, knowledge of others over ignorance and prejudice. Tolerance is especially necessary to guard against the politics of polarization at a time when stereotypes, ignorance and hatred threaten to tear the delicate fabric of increasingly diverse societies. Todays

world is more closely tied than ever by trade and information technology but rifts between and within communities and States are being broadened and deepened by poverty, ignorance and conflict. Furthermore, with the speed of communication blurring the lines between the global and the local, tensions in one corner of the world can spread rapidly to others. Developing Tolerance Tolerance cannot be taken for granted. It has to be taught, nurtured and communicated. Education, inside and outside the classroom, is essential for strengthening tolerance and for combating hatred and discrimination. On this International Day of Tolerance, let us recommit to dialogue and understanding among all peoples and communities, and let us focus our minds and hearts on those who face discrimination and marginalization. Let us to pledge to mobilize against intolerance. For our most vulnerable communities, and for all humanity, let us work together to promote tolerance.

SHARE OUR SIMILARITIES AND CELEBRATE OUR DIFFERENCES

Are you tolerant? How do you tolerate the unwanted things/happenings in your daily life? How has being tolerant/intolerant affected you? What are your strategies?