Racism and ethnic intolerance must be combated with “all our might” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al Hussain, in a message released to mark the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust.
“The Holocaust will forever remain a terrible scar on the human conscience,” said the UN human rights chief, adding that the “hideous reality of planned and deliberate mass murder must lead us to deep reflection on the roots and spread of such violence”.
Though the High Commissioner paid tribute to those who resisted the Holocaust, he added that “at every stage of this massive crime against humanity, millions of others assisted, supported, or shied away from protesting the steps that led to genocide”.
“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,” he said.
“This is our solemn duty to the memory of the victims: to demonstrate civic courage, and responsible governance. We must prevent future acts of genocide by meeting the challenge that humanity still faces today – the task of learning to live together, as equals, in dignity, and with respect.”
See his full statement here.