WHAT IS TOLERANCE AND RESPECT?
Tolerance and respect are fundamental values related to the purposes and principles of the United Nations. Tolerance is mentioned in the preamble to the United Nations Charter. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights also begins by stating that all people are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Endowed with reason and conscience, they should act towards each other in a spirit of brotherhood. The UN Millennium Declaration confirms that tolerance, freedom and equality are fundamental values necessary for international cooperation.
Declaration of Principles of Tolerance
UNESCO General Conference at its 28th session in 1995 adopted the Declaration of Principles of Tolerance. This initiative was caused by the growing phenomena of intolerance, violence, nationalism, racism and anti-Semitism, accompanied by marginalization and discrimination against minorities.
The promotion of tolerance and respect is essential in creating an atmosphere conducive to the acceptance of cultural diversity. Article 1 of the Declaration of Principles of Tolerance reads:
“Tolerance is respect, acceptance and recognition of the rich diversity of cultures around the world, our forms of expression and ways of being human. She is favored by knowledge, openness, communication and freedom of speech, conscience and faith. Tolerance is harmony in diversity. It is not only a moral obligation, but also a legal and political condition. Tolerance – the value that makes peace possible – contributes to replacing the culture of war with a culture of peace. ”
In the Declaration, the Member States defined the concept of tolerance. According to the records, tolerance is:
- respecting someone else’s rights and property;
- Recognition and acceptance of individual differences;
- The ability to listen, communicate and understand others;
- Valuing the diversity of cultures;
- Openness to other people’s thoughts and philosophy;
- Curiosity and not rejecting the unknown;
Recognition that no one has a monopoly on the truth.
In the UNESCO Declaration, Member States emphasize not only the need to combat intolerance and racism, but also the importance of cultural diversity.
Source: http://www.unic.un.org.pl