Today, the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp, Auschwitz, is Holocaust Memorial Day when we are encouraged to remember not only the murder of over six million people, mostly Jews, but that we should dedicate ourselves, even if it is only in our everyday thoughts, words and deeds, to make sure that our silence doesn’t ever get misinterpreted as any kind of support for any form of discrimination that could ever become the seed for such a terrible act of inhumanity ever again. It is worth taking a moment to read the United Nations Statement of Commitment for this day:
United Nations Statement Of Commitment
1) We recognise that the Holocaust shook the foundations of modern civilisation Its unprecedented character and horror will always hold universal meaning.
2) We believe the Holocaust must have a permanent place in our nation’s collective memory. We honour the survivors still with us, and reaffirm our shared goals of mutual understanding and justice.
3) We must make sure that future generations understand the causes of the Holocaust and reflect upon its consequences. We vow to remember the victims of Nazi persecution and of all genocide.
4) We value the sacrifices of those who have risked their lives to protect or rescue victims, as a touchstone of the human capacity for good in the face of evil.
5) We recognise that humanity is still scarred by the belief that race, religion, disability or sexuality make some people’s lives worth less than others’. Genocide, antisemitism, racism, xenophobia and discrimination still continue. We have a shared responsibility to fight these evils.
6) We pledge to strengthen our efforts to promote education and research about the Holocaust and other genocide. We will do our utmost to make sure that the lessons of such events are fully learnt.