International Day for Tolerance

International Day for Tolerance History

International Day for Tolerance is dedicated to promoting tolerance, respect, and understanding among cultures, religions, and societies. Established by the United Nations, the day aims to foster a global culture of peace and draws attention to the multiple challenges individuals and communities face because of intolerance. It allows everyone to recognize the importance of cultural diversity, human rights, and inclusive societies and encourages the implementation of measures to promote tolerance in different realms of life.

International Day for Tolerance is rooted in UNESCO's Declaration of Principles on Tolerance in 1995. For New Zealand citizens, the observance is particularly significant given the nation's diverse population of Māori, European, Asian, and Pacific peoples and the inherent need to foster understanding and harmony among these different cultural groups. The day not only acknowledges New Zealand's commitment to protecting individual rights and freedoms but also highlights its efforts in promoting multiculturalism, inclusivity, and the unique Māori culture and values.

New Zealand celebrates International Day for Tolerance by organizing various events and activities that emphasize the importance of tolerance and inclusivity across the country. These events, which include cultural performances, educational workshops, and discussions, serve as a platform to celebrate the diverse aspects of New Zealand society. They provide an opportunity for New Zealanders to come together, learn more about each other's cultures, beliefs, and traditions, and most importantly, to feel included and valued in this rich tapestry of diversity. International Day for Tolerance, marked on 16 November, is a testament to New Zealand's commitment to understanding, acceptance, and appreciation of its rich cultural diversity.

Facts about International Day for Tolerance

• The theme for Tolerance Day in 2024 was Promoting Respect and Understanding Worldwide. In 2023 the theme was Tolerance: A Path to Peace and Reconciliation.
• You can counter intolerance in 5 ways:
  1) Fighting intolerance with law
  2) Fighting intolerance with education
  3) Fighting intolerance with access to information
  4) Fighting intolerance by individual awareness
  5) Fighting intolerance with local solutions
• Xenophobia is the fear or hatred of strangers. It is another word for intolerance.
• New Zealand has a strong tradition of religious freedom and tolerance. People are free to practice their faith or to choose not to practice any religion at all. Various faiths coexist peacefully, and religious diversity is celebrated.
• New Zealand legalized same-sex marriage in 2013, becoming the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to do so.

In the News and Trending in NZ for International Day for Tolerance

Top things to do in NZ for this observance

• Raise awareness on social media by using the tags #InternationalDayforTolerance, #ToleranceDay, and #LoveNotHateTolerate.
• Assess the impact of tolerance on your society, its policies and your life. How does this compare to other societies? Do a bit of research to see how different types of governments and policies impact tolerance in a society.
• Trying food from different cultures is a great way to broaden your understanding of other cultures. New Zealand has a wide range of authentic ethnic dining options, from Indian and Chinese to Middle Eastern and African cuisine.
• Learn about New Zealand's history and indigenous Māori culture by visiting museums, art galleries, or cultural centers. Some popular places include the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Te Papa Museum in Wellington, and the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute in Rotorua.