In 2005 the United Nations General Assembly designated January 27th to mark the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Nazi’s largest and deadliest concentration camp. It is a day to honour the 6 million Jews who were systematically murdered by the Nazis. We remember and honour other victims: 250,000 people with disabilities, 200,000 Roma people, thousands of gay, lesbian, and gender diverse people, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Black people and political opponents. It is a time to remember and reflect upon the lessons of the Nazi genocide of Jews and the impact on future generations. The UN urged all member states to adopt this day of commemoration and to develop educational programs to help prevent future genocides.

“Never forget” means not only remembering what happened. To avoid the mistakes of the past we must support Holocaust education to promote social justice, human rights and genocide awareness. Remembering provokes reflection and insight into the dangers of remaining silent, apathetic and indifferent to the oppression of others.