Harmony in Difference
UNPO holds the principal of Tolerance in high regard. Along with Environment, Self-determination, Nonviolence, Human Rights and Democracy, Tolerance is a cornerstone in the UNPO Covenant.
Our covenant regards Tolerance as the following:
'Tolerance is respect and acceptance of the rich diversity of the world's cultures, 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 is the virtue that makes peace possible. It contributes to the replacement of the culture of war by a culture of peace.
Tolerance involves the rejection of dogmatism and absolutism and affirms the standards set out in international human rights instruments. One is free to adhere to one's own convictions and accepts that others adhere to theirs. It means accepting the fact that human beings, naturally diverse in their appearance, situation, speech, behaviour and values, have the right to live in peace and to be as they are. It also means that one's views are not to be imposed on others. '
And so, UNPO urges international powers to be Tolerant. Many of UNPO's Members face exclusion, discrimination and harassment purely for being 'different'. Ethnic minorities, defacto states and indigenous peoples are either forced to integrate or worse, obliterated in hopes that they will be forgotten.
Surely it is within each country's - and individual's - mandate to practice Tolerance? The election of the first African-American as President of the United States of America can be viewed as a benchmark and a positive omen for change. It also marked the capacity for tolerance in a society that has been considered intolerant in past times.
Human beings have an inherent capacity for Tolerance. International Day for Tolerance provides us with the opportunity to reflect on personal and political tolerance, what it means, and how to implement it.
The practice of Tolerance is both altruistic and rewarding - both necessary and possible.
Links
International day of Tolerance:
http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/tolerance/
UNESCO Declaration of Principles on Tolerance:
http://www.unesco.org/tolerance/declaeng.htm
Wikipedia on Tolerance:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tolerance
Developing Political Tolerance:
http://www.indiana.edu/~ssdc/poltoldig.htm
