Remarks by the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, on the occasion of the International Day of Commemoration of the memory of the victims of the Holocaust

Today, on this International Day of Commemoration of the victims of the Holocaust and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi German concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, we honor the millions of Jewish victims of the Nazi regime. 

The Holocaust was the devastating result of hatred, prejudice, and silence in the face of injustice. Following the Holocaust, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was created to protect the dignity of every person.

Yet, eighty years after the Holocaust’s end, we still confront rising antisemitism, racism, and hate worldwide.  Over the past few decades, I have personally witnessed grave violations of human rights, including people killed and losing their homes, and children deprived of education and medical care in many countries including in Ukraine as a result of the full-scale invasion by the Russian Armed Forces in February 2022.   

In these challenging times, we must continue to stand with survivors and their families and renew our resolve to never forget. 

We must also remember those who, despite great danger, supported and continue to be on the side of those who are being persecuted. Their courage and dedication in these extraordinary times embody the true essence of humanity.

Today, let us recommit ourselves to building a world of dignity, equality, and respect for all. We will remember. We will never forget. And we will stand firm in the fight against hate and injustice.