Resolve to promote tolerance in society -Says NCCE
The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has called on all Ghanaians to respect and accept their differences and also resolve to take all positive actions needed to promote tolerance in the homes, schools, workplaces, communities and societies.
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In a statement to mark International Day for Tolerance, the NCCE further asked all Ghanaians to show tolerance and an appreciation for the fundamental human rights of other people even as they enjoyed their individual rights as citizens and residents of Ghana.
November 16, each year, has been designated as International Day for Tolerance by the United Nations.
The importance of tolerance as a global virtue is underscored by the preamble to the UN charter which states in part that: ‘We (the people of the United Nations) are determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, ... to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, ... and for these ends to practise tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours”.
According to the NCCE statement, tolerance is not only a cherished principle, but also a necessity for peace, cohesion, economic and social advancement of all peoples.
As the global UN community celebrated the International Day of Tolerance, the commission urged all to “appreciate the freedoms and rights given to us as citizens, and in the enjoyment of those rights, remember that rights come with responsibilities.”
It said that the great sage and social activist, Mahatma Ghandhi, once said that; “Intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of true democratic spirit”.
Ghandhi understood the workings of the dynamics of human character and principles and achieved his socio-political goal by employing non-violence and great tolerance for all people and opinions.
According to the NCCE, tolerance, the willingness to appreciate and understand another’s view point, and respect for the rights and beliefs of others was fundamental to democratic growth, stability and success.
The NCCE concluded that societies could not live in peace until the people of every community, city, state or nation accepted the necessity of tolerance as a virtue and chose to be tolerant of others, regardless of ethnic, religious, political and gender differences.