Tolerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation for the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, forms of expression and ways of being human. It is promoted by knowledge, openness, communication, and freedom of thought, conscience and belief. Tolerance is harmony in difference. It is not only a moral duty, but also a political and legal requirement. Tolerance, the virtue that makes peace possible, contributes to replacing the culture of war with a culture of peace.
1.2 Tolerance is not concession, concession or leniency. Tolerance is, above all, an active position motivated by the recognition of the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others. Under no circumstances should it be used to justify violations of these core values. Tolerance must be practiced by individuals, groups and countries.
1.3 Tolerance is a responsibility that supports human rights, pluralism (including multiculturalism), democracy and the rule of law. It involves rejecting dogmatism and tyranny and affirms the standards set forth in international human rights instruments.
1.4 In line with respect for human rights, practicing tolerance does not mean tolerating social injustice or abandoning or weakening our convictions. This means that the individual is free to adhere to his own convictions and accepts that others abide by theirs. It means accepting the fact that human beings, who are inherently diverse in their appearance, posture, speech, behavior and values, have the right to live in peace and to be as they are. It also means that one’s views should not be imposed on others.
Article 2 โ State level
2.1 Tolerance at the state level requires fair and impartial legislation, law enforcement, and judicial and administrative procedures. It also requires providing economic and social opportunities to every person without any discrimination. Exclusion and marginalization can lead to frustration, hostility and intolerance.
2.2 In order to achieve a more tolerant society, states should ratify existing international human rights conventions, and draft new legislation where necessary to ensure equal treatment and equal opportunities for all groups and individuals in society.
2.3 It is essential for international harmony that individuals, societies and nations accept and respect the multicultural character of the human family. Without tolerance there can be no peace, and without peace there can be no development or democracy.
2.4 Intolerance may take the form of marginalization of vulnerable groups and their exclusion from social and political participation, as well as violence and discrimination against them. As the Declaration on Race and Racial Prejudice affirms, โAll individuals and groups have the right to be differentโ (Article 1.2).
Article 3 โ Social Dimensions
3.1 In the modern world, tolerance is more important than ever. It is an era characterized by the globalization of the economy, rapid increases in mobility, communications, integration and interdependence, large-scale migrations and displacement of populations, urbanization, and changing social patterns. Since every part of the world is diverse, rising intolerance and conflict could threaten every region. This is not limited to any country, but is a global threat.
3.2 Tolerance is necessary between individuals, at the family and community levels. Tolerance and the formation of attitudes of openness, mutual listening and solidarity should be promoted in schools, universities and through non-formal education, at home and in the workplace. Communications are in a position to play a constructive role in facilitating free and open dialogue and debate, spreading the values of tolerance, and highlighting the dangers of indifference to the rise of extremist groups and ideologies.
3.3 As emphasized by the UNESCO Declaration on Race and Racial Prejudice, measures must be taken to ensure the equal dignity and rights of individuals and groups where necessary. In this regard, special attention should be paid to vulnerable groups who are socially or economically disadvantaged, in order to grant them the protection provided by applicable laws and social measures, in particular with regard to housing, work and health, and respect for the validity of human rights. Their culture and values, and facilitating their social and professional progress and integration, especially through education.
3.4 Appropriate scientific studies and networking should be conducted to coordinate the international community’s response to this global challenge, including social science analysis of root causes and effective countermeasures, as well as research and monitoring to support policy making and standard setting. Determine the actions taken by member states.
Article 4- Education
4.1 Education is the most effective means of preventing intolerance. The first step in teaching tolerance is to teach people what their common rights and freedoms are, so that they are respected, and to strengthen the will to protect the rights and freedoms of others.
4.2 Tolerance education should be considered an urgent necessity. This is why it is necessary to promote systematic and rational tolerance teaching methods that address the cultural, social, economic, political and religious sources of intolerance – the main roots of violence and exclusion. Education policies and programs should contribute to the development of understanding, solidarity and tolerance among individuals as well as between ethnic, social, cultural, religious and linguistic groups and nations.
4.3 Education for tolerance should aim to counter influences that lead to fear and exclusion of others, and should help young people to develop their capacities for independent judgement, critical thinking and moral reasoning.
4.4 We pledge to support and implement social science research and education programs for tolerance, human rights and non-violence. This means devoting special attention to improving teacher training, curricula, the content of textbooks, lessons and other educational materials, including new educational technologies, with the aim of educating interested and responsible citizens who are open to other cultures, able to appreciate the value of freedom, respect human dignity and differences, and be able to prevent Conflicts or their resolution by non-violent means.
Article 5 – Commitment to work
We are committed to promoting tolerance and rejecting racism
