January 27 - International Holocaust Remembrance Day

On January 27, 1945, the Red Army of the Soviet Union liberated the prisoners of the death camp, Auschwitz. The first country to institute memorial ceremonies on this day was Germany in 1996. Since 2005, the United Nations has adopted this day and it published a declaration that states among other things:

"1. We recognize 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 honor 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 recognize that humanity is still scarred by the belief that race, religion, disability or sexuality make some people's lives worth less than others'. Genocide, anti Semitism, 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."