In 1996, prompted by the United Nations Year for Tolerance, the General Assembly declared November 16th as the International Day for Tolerance. This decision was made in order to promote tolerance and understanding among nations and individuals, with a special focus on educational institutions and the general public. The declaration was influenced by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) member States' adoption of the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance and Follow-up Plan of Action in 1995.