The recognization of this day was started from 1996 when the UN General Assembly invited member states to observe the International Day for Tolerance on November 16.With the aim to educate people about the need for tolerance in society and to help them understand the negative effects of intolerance.
Tolerance meaning according to the theme:
- The Declaration qualifies tolerance not only as a moral duty, but also as a political and legal requirement for individuals, groups and States.
- Tolerance is neither indulgence nor indifference. It is respect and appreciation of the rich variety of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human.
Ways to counter intolerance specified by UN:
1. Fighting intolerance requires law.
2. Fighting intolerance requires education.
3. Fighting intolerance requires access to information.
4. Fighting intolerance requires individual awareness.
5. Fighting intolerance requires local solutions.