Recent years have witnessed a sharp rise in intolerance, extremism and violence across our world. This disturbing trend is fuelled, in part, by a growing tendency to articulate differences in terms of identity rather than in terms of opinions or interests.
As a result, individuals and entire communities are being targeted for brutality and violence, simply because of their ethnic, religious, national or other identity. Such threats, whether large-scale genocide to the indignities of day-to-day bigotry, should trouble all of us. We must each strive to uphold the principles of tolerance, pluralism, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. We must always be ready to correct stereotypes and distorted images, and to speak up for victims of discrimination.
Combating intolerance is in part a matter of legal protection. The right to freedom of religion -- and to freedom from discrimination based on religion -- has long been enshrined in international law, and incorporated into the domestic law of many countries.
But the law is only a starting point. Any strategy to build understanding must depend heavily on education - about different religions, traditions and cultures - so that myths and distortions can be seen for what they are. We must also create opportunities for young people, offering them a credible alternative to the siren song of hate and extremism. And we must work to prevent the media from being used to spread hatred, or inflict humiliation, while safeguarding freedom of expression.
In all of this, there is a crucial need for leadership by public figures and institutions. The United Nations, for its part, in addition to its wide-ranging, long-standing work to promote and protect human rights, has launched an "Alliance of Civilizations", aimed at bridging divides, and at overcoming prejudices and polarizations that potentially threaten world peace.
But public initiative must be matched by individual effort. On this International Day of Tolerance, let us therefore reaffirm the notion that diversity -- in thought, in belief, and in action -- is a precious gift, not a threat, and let us seek to build more tolerant communities steeped in this essential ideal.
Kofi Annan
