The International Day of Tolerance is observed every year on November 16.

Key Points

• This day was declared by United Nations with the aim of creating public awareness on dangers of intolerance.
• The idea to observe this day propelled from the increasing need of ensuring people are aware of negativity that originate from intolerance.
• Thus, UN General Assembly started observing this day in order to promote tolerance as the staple of society.

Year of Tolerance

United Nations had declared a Year for Tolerance in 1995. The Declaration of Principles on Tolerance was formulated in 1995 itself by UNESCO on November 16. The UN decided to pay tribute to 125^th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 1995, by kickstarting the commemoration of International Tolerance Day in the year 1995. The annual observance of international day for Tolerance marks the anniversary of UNESCO’s declaration, as well.