Islam and Peace
Limits of Tolerance
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Cultural Organisation, (UNESCO) on this occasion,
emphasises that amidst the resurgence of ethnic
conflicts, discrimination against minorities and
xenophobia directed against refugees and asylum-
seekers, tolerance is the only way forward. It
pointed out that racism and religious fanaticism in
many countries had led to many forms of
discrimination and the intimidation of those who
held contrary views. Violence against and
intimidation of authors, journalists and others who
exercise their freedom of expression, were also on
the increase along with political movements which
seek to make particular groups responsible for
social ills such as crime and unemployment.
Intolerance is one of the greatest challenges we face
on the threshold to the 21st century, said the
UNESCO Statement. Intolerance is both an ethnic
and political problem. It is a rejection of the
differences between individuals and between
cultures. When intolerance becomes organised or
institutionalised, it destroys democratic principles
and poses a threat to world peace. (The Hindustan
Times, January I, 1995)
