Declaration of Principles of Tolerance

Overview
Coordinator Comments

The Declaration of Principles on Tolerance was proclaimed and signed by the Member States of UNESCO on 16 November 1995.

The Declaration was meant as a contribution to the principles of a culture of peace which were being developed at that time at UNESCO, and it defines tolerance as an active attitude, not passive acceptance of the other:

Tolerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. It is fostered by knowledge, openness, communication, and freedom of thought, conscience and belief. Tolerance is harmony in difference. It is not only a moral duty, it is also a political and legal requirement. Tolerance, the virtue that makes peace possible, contributes to the replacement of the culture of war by a culture of peace.

1.2 Tolerance is not concession, condescension or indulgence. Tolerance is, above all, an active attitude prompted by recognition of the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others.