International Day of Tolerance
Nov 16
Global Awareness Days, Student Action International Day of Tolerance No Comments
Children in one of Concern's Child Friendly Spaces in Haiti
UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon wrote that tolerance 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.” Today, on International Day of Tolerance, we celebrate the ties that bond humankind.
Much like what was celebrated on International Mother Earth Day, today is a day to honor the inextricable harmony that must be sought after to ensure respect and the interdependence our Earth shares. On International Day of Tolerance, we are encouraged to acknowledge that every single human being is worthy of the same universal human rights and freedoms.
A key step to building tolerance begins in the classroom. Through equitable access to education, the idea of respect and tolerance can be instilled in children at a young age, which could have ripple effects through a family, and into a community. Do you think tolerance can begin in your classroom?
To celebrate International Day of Tolerance, try out some of these recommendations from the United Nations!
- Explore the diversity of your community – Is there a cultural festival happening this week in your hometown? Can you attend a different religious service or share a meal with a neighbor that comes from a different background? Take today to explore the richness of diversity at home!
- Investigate human rights – How knowledgeable are you in the field of human rights? Do some research online or check out this introduction to learn more about the fundamental freedoms all humans should be able to practice.
- Tell us how you practice tolerance – Browse through your favorite books, newspapers, or television shows to see what messages are being portrayed. What are your own assumptions about tolerance and diversity?
- Reject violence – What would a conflict-free world be like? Do you think it’s possible for mankind to avoid violence? How can you be a part of this mission?
- Recognize all forms of tolerance – Take today to be extra observant of tolerance and conflict in all its forms. Do you notice it at a sports event or in your place of worship? Do you read about it in the newspaper? Do you discuss current events with your friends or family? Spark discussion!
Learn more about today’s observances by following these links:
http://www.un.org/en/events/toleranceday/sg_message.shtml
http://www.betterworldcalendar.com/tolerance/UNESCO-10ideas.pdf
