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2025.11.16
Seoul
International Day for Tolerance
Naima Islam Nisha
International Day for Tolerance was established by the United Nations General Assembly on November 16, 1996 following UNESCO’s Declaration of Principles on Tolerance (1995). The day aims to reaffirm the importance of human rights, respect for diversity and peaceful coexistence among all peoples and cultures. It reminds the global community that tolerance is not merely a moral duty but a political and legal requirement essential to ensuring equality, justice, and human dignity.
Despite decades of international advocacy, intolerance remains a pressing challenge. According to UNESCO’s 2023 Global Education Monitoring Report, incidents of hate speech, racism and religious intolerance have risen sharply worldwide, particularly online. Minority groups, refugees and migrants continue to face systemic discrimination while conflicts and misinformation deepen divisions between communities. Such patterns violate key principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Articles 1 and 2) which assert that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. It is crucial to recognize that intolerance not only harms individuals but also threatens the social fabric that sustains democracy and peace.
The global community continues to confront barriers in addressing intolerance including political polarization, misinformation on digital platforms and insufficient intercultural education. UNESCO has repeatedly emphasized that tolerance is best cultivated through quality education, open dialogue and inclusive governance. However, persistent inequalities in access to education and information have made these goals difficult to achieve. According to UN data, over 244 million children and youth worldwide remain out of school which limits opportunities to build mutual understanding and empathy for the foundations of tolerance.
In response, several international frameworks and initiatives have been implemented. The UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) promotes global citizenship and social-emotional learning to counter prejudice and hate. The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) also leads intercultural dialogue programs that aim to bridge divides between societies. These initiatives along with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Goal 16), underscore the UN’s commitment to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies.
An inspiring example of cultural advocacy for tolerance comes from BTS which is the South Korean global music group. Through their long-standing partnership with UNICEF’s “Love Myself” campaign and participation in multiple UN General Assembly sessions; BTS has used their influence to promote messages of self-acceptance, anti-bullying and empathy across generations. Their campaign has raised millions of dollars for UNICEF’s efforts to end violence against children and youth echoing the very values celebrated on the International Day for Tolerance including respect, compassion and the universal right to dignity. Their advocacy demonstrates how popular culture can effectively translate human rights principles into relatable and youth-driven movements for global change.
As the world becomes more interconnected yet divided, the International Day for Tolerance serves as a reminder that respect for diversity and mutual understanding are essential to upholding human rights. By strengthening education, dialogue and inclusive participation as well as by recognizing both institutional and cultural champions of tolerance; the international community can move closer to a future grounded in peace and equality for all.
Written by Naima Islam Nisha
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