IFSW Statement on the International Day of Tolerance |
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The International Day of Tolerance (November 16) has been celebrated since 1996, when the UN General Assembly invited member states to observe the day after an initiative from UNESCO, based on a Declaration of Principles of Tolerance. In the Declaration it was affirmed that "tolerance is neither indulgence or indifference", but "respect and appreciation of the rich variety of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human".
As the International Days are occasions to think again, raise awareness and stimulate debate, tolerance is a phenomenon we always need to renew. We should appreciate diversity, have the ability to live and let others live, accept that others have their convictions as we have ours. Already the United Nations charter stated that we shall "practice tolerance and live together with each others as good neighbours". To fight intolerance we need human rights laws, to educate, to inform but also to find local solutions to escalation of intolerance, if needed without waiting for government initiatives. Intercultural and interreligious dialogues are core elements in this process.
Tom Johannesen, IFSW's Secretary General, says that social workers often are key agents in communities around the world in local processes towards finding ways to live together. "The profession should celebrate the International Day of Tolerance, but also take pride in the ways it has contributed and on a daily basis continues to do so".
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page last updated on 10.12.2008
