UN International Day for Tolerance  |17 November 2023

ARID calls on citizens to embrace divergence of views

In 1996, the UN General Assembly (by resolution 51/95) invited UN Member States to observe the International Day for Tolerance on November 16. This is an annual celebration of significant importance and in commemoration of the day, the Association for Rights, Information and Democracy (ARID) is calling on the citizens to embrace divergence of views, promote a culture of mutual respect for diversity and better appreciation of its enriching quality in our society.

ARID calls on political leaders to promote critical thinking and ethical reasoning and show more political tolerance in their words and actions. It also calls on the state to create more inclusive policies, allow for more dialogue and meaningful engagement with citizens and to promote initiatives aimed at protecting individual rights and freedoms.

The National Assembly of Seychelles is celebrating its 30 years of existence as the legislative arm of the government under the third Republic. ARID commends the work of both present and past members of the National Assembly for their hard work in promoting: democratic values, representing diverse viewpoints, ensuring accountability of elected officials and in upholding our Constitution.

However, ARID has observed the challenges of having two branches of the government (the Executive and Legislative) with a greater majority and elected members of the Assembly in some cases showing total allegiance to their party instead of defending, deciding and acting in the best interest of their constituents. ARID and the public has also observed in many cases lack of political tolerance, lack of respect, lack of ethical and objective reasoning in debates/deliberations by some members of the National Assembly.

ARID is calling for greater level of political tolerance from all political leaders and for the Speaker of the National Assembly to promote greater level of accountability and fairness by allowing members of the National Assembly to exercise their duties of oversight. ARID has also observed in many instances curtailment of debates and maneuvers to protect government officials including ministers during question time in the National Assembly. ARID calls for greater tolerance and fairness in safeguarding the rights of the members of parliament both the majority and the minority in the conduct of their duties in line with the Standing Orders for members of parliament to maintain ethical standards, mutual respect and tolerance.

As we embark on the electioneering stage ARID is calling on everyone to promote tolerance and respect; one can be against an idea or proposal but NOT against a person. ARID is also calling on political leaders to promote a fair and level playing field for all political opponents and not to intimidate, discriminate or use harmful tactics to damage the reputation and credibility of our political opponents.

ARID calls for ethical and non-biased actions from all stakeholders including the Judiciary, the Election Commission, law enforcement agencies, the media and all political parties. Citizens must refrain from insulting and verbally attacking others on the social media platforms.

Freedom of expression comes with responsibility and respect. As we commemorate the ‘International Day for Tolerance’ let us be tolerant to other views and embrace a culture of respect for diversity. Tolerance is much more than passively accepting others; it is more importantly our obligations as citizens to act and to stand up for an inclusive and tolerant society where everyone feels valued and respected.

Contributed