International Day for Tolerance (16 November 2006) [Archives:2006/999/Last Page]

It is easy to say, “I have no prejudices” or ” I am not racist, so it has nothing to do with me”, or “I didn't invite those refugees”

It is hard to say, “I may not be to blame for what happened in the past but I want to take responsibility for making sure it doesn't continue into the future”.



At the initiative of UNESCO, 1995 was declared the United Nations Year for Tolerance, and it saw the launching of a world-wide campaign for tolerance and non-violence. The International Day for Tolerance grew out of the momentum of that Year. Building tolerance and trust in diverse communities is not done overnight, but takes time and commitment. Building tolerance requires access to education. Intolerance is often rooted in ignorance and fear: fear of the unknown, of the \”other\””