Tolerance means respect for human rights and freedoms, being open towards differences, but it also means rule of law and harmonization with the standards of the European Union and international conventions.
Once again, HCHR in Macedonia would like to remind the public that November 16, the International Day for Tolerance (UN Resolution 51/95) is one more opportunity for every citizen, organization and institution to stand up for tolerant and violence-free society, in which the human and civilization values are respected. The support for this initiative grows with every new day, as stated by HCHR.
HCHR in Macedonia appeals to all individuals, formal and informal groups, organizations, public and state institutions, media, political parties, faith communities, activists and representatives of the civil society in Macedonia, human and tolerant people, citizens of civilized and tolerant Macedonia, citizens of the world, to observe November 16 in their immediate environment and to join the Citizens’ March of Tolerance (Museum of the City of Skopje, 11:55)
HCHR encourages the citizens and civil society organizations to organize appropriate events in the other parts of the country.
On the International Day for Tolerance, HCHR appeals to:
– The Government to adopt the Law on Prevention and Protection from Discrimination immediately and without any further delay. The HCHR reminds the Macedonian Government that this Law awaits its adoption and implementation for a long period, although it is part of the obligations undertaken by our country before the international community, but more importantly, before its citizens. The Progress Report for Macedonia published by the European Commission has clear provisions and a recommendation, highlighting the discrimination as a problem of our society and system.
– Political parties and other structures of political organization, educational institutions, religious communities, civil society organizations and media to promote tolerance and anti-discrimination in their environments and to respect them as principles that guarantee better future to humanity against the prejudices, hatred, disrespect, humiliation and violence.
HCHR would like to show by this appeal that equality is fundamental value of our society, and that they will also, continue to appeal for interethnic tolerance, as well as for tolerance and decisive sanctioning of discrimination on the basis of disability, religious, social, political or racial background or any other ground.
Additionally, HCHR appeals for tolerance and putting an end to discrimination on the basis of sex, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation.
