Arab League stresses importance of tolerance, human rights for peacebuilding

The Arab League has emphasized the critical need to foster a culture of tolerance as a pathway to achieving peace and sustainable development. It underscored that respecting human rights and ensuring equality for all individuals form the cornerstone of building lasting peace.Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Social Affairs Sector at the Arab League, Ambassador Haifa Abu Ghazaleh issued a statement marking the International Day for Tolerance, observed annually on November 16. She highlighted that this years commemoration comes amid escalating political tensions and extremism in various regions. Notably, the Middle East continues to witness grave developments, including the killing and forced displacement of Gazas residents, the widening conflict in Lebanon, the ongoing refugee crisis in Europe, and the repercussions of the Russia-Ukraine war. These crises, along with other manifestations of extremism and conflict worldwide, underline the urgent need for tolerance and cross-cultural dialogue.Ambassador Abu Ghazaleh stressed that societies grappling with conflict require dialogue platforms where individuals can express their thoughts and emotions constructively, steering clear of violence and hatred. She added that the Arab Strategy for the Alliance of Civilizations seeks to build bridges of communication and cooperation between nations and peoples. This strategy integrates various programs aimed at promoting tolerance, serving as a step toward a more peaceful and understanding world.She further emphasized the collective responsibility to entrench this strategy in Arab societies, calling for continuous cooperation among all sectors. She pointed out that instilling the values of tolerance through education is fundamental to building sustainable peace. Families and schools, she said, play a pivotal role as platforms for nurturing respect and understanding among young people. Teaching children to navigate differences and resolve conflicts peacefully is especially vital, given the increasing prevalence of violence and the erosion of childhood innocence in many parts of the world.Ambassador Abu Ghazaleh also highlighted the significant role of governments and civil society organizations in spreading a culture of tolerance. This can be achieved through awareness campaigns, workshops, and discussion forums addressing issues such as discrimination and racism. She called on governments to enact policies that reflect the principles of tolerance by outlawing discrimination and violence while promoting equality.The United Nations established the International Day for Tolerance to be observed annually on November 16. This day aims to underscore the pivotal role of tolerance in building peaceful, inclusive, and just societies.