International Day for Tolerance - 2011 UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize winners announced

On the International Day for Tolerance, Afghan women’s rights campaigner Anarkali Honaryar and Palestinian peace activist Khaled Abu Awwad are the winners of the 2011 UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence.

The prize, created in 1995, on the 125th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi rewards significant activities in the scientific, artistic, cultural or communication fields aimed at the promotion of a spirit of tolerance and non-violence. It was established through the generous donation of the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Indian artist, writer and diplomat Mr Madanjeet Singh, the prize honors his lifelong commitment to the cause of peace and tolerance.

The International Day for Tolerance was first observed in 1996 when UN Member States were invited to observe the day on 16 November, with activities directed towards both educational establishments and the wider public. The day grew out from the momentum of the 1995 Year of Tolerance when, on 16 November, UNESCO's Member States adopted a Declaration of Principles on Tolerance. Among other things, the Declaration affirms that tolerance is neither indulgence nor indifference. It is respect and appreciation of the rich variety of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human.

The Day serves as an annual occasion for tolerance education as well as for wider social and political reflection and debate on local and global problems of intolerance. It is a moment to take stock of the progress made during the year and to propose fresh policies to close remaining gaps.

In his 2011 message, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said: "At times of change, we must stay true to the ideals and principles that are at the heart of the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Among those core values is tolerance. Our practice of tolerance must mean more than peaceful coexistence, crucial as that is. It must be an active understanding fostered through dialogue and positive engagement with others." Read the full message.

UNESCO and Málaga Club de Fútbol, together against racisim.

Additional links:

• International Day for Tolerance
• UNESCO
• UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence
• Declaration of Principles on Tolerance
• HREA Suggested Reading

Edited: Gregory Cornwell & Siri Robin