International Day of Tolerance

India ink and gouache on paper, 24 7/8 x 18 5/16

by George Giusti (b. 1908–d. 1990) in

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Today is The International Day for Tolerance. In order to generate public awareness, emphasise the dangers of intolerance and react with renewed commitment and action in support of tolerance promotion and education, the International Day for Tolerance is observed on 16 November each year.

In 1996, the General Assembly invited Member States to observe the International Day for Tolerance on 16 November, with activities directed towards both educational establishments and the wider public (resolution 51/95 of 12 December). This action came in the wake of the United Nations Year for Tolerance, 1995, proclaimed by the Assembly in 1993 (resolution 48/126). The Year had been declared on the initiative of the General Conference of UNESCO. On 16 November 1995, the UNESCO member States had adopted the Declaration on the Principles of Tolerance (pdf file) and Follow-up Plan of Action for the Year.

Read: Promoting Tolerance (UNESCO)

For the Secretary-General's message on International Day for Tolerance, please click here