UN News Center, 27 January 2016 – Marking the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged everyone to denounce political and religious ideologies that set people against people.
“The Holocaust was a colossal crime,” said Mr. Ban in a message. “No-one can deny the evidence that it happened. By remembering the victims and honoring the courage of the survivors and those who assisted and liberated them, we annually renew our resolve to prevent such atrocities and reject the hateful mentality that allows them.”
During the Second World War, six million Jews were systematically rounded up and exterminated.
People worldwide – including millions fleeing war, persecution and deprivation – continue to suffer discrimination and attacks. We have a duty to remember the past – and to help those who need us now.
In a separate message, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said the Holocaust will “forever remain a terrible scar on the human conscience.”
“Its hideous reality of planned and deliberate mass murder must lead us to deep reflection on the roots and spread of such violence,” stressed Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein. “Today, as we commemorate the victims of the Holocaust, I hope that all of us can reflect on the need to continue to combat racism and religious or ethnic intolerance in every form, and with all our might.”