Holocaust Memorial Day 2025
By Julius Schmitz / GICJ
Introduction
In 2025, it has been 80 years since the liberation of the last concentration camps, and as the voices of firsthand witnesses fade, the rise of nationalism around the world makes remembering these past atrocities more important than ever. Remembering the more than six million victims and the victory over the maliciously organized, meticulously industrialized system of murder does not only mean honoring their memory. It also reminds us of our responsibility to eradicate hatred and evil where it emerges, ensuring not to repeat the horrors of the past.
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” – George Santayana, 1905
With fascist politicians on the rise, the richest man on Earth performing gestures reminiscent of hateful ideologies, and German youths openly chanting discriminatory right-wing songs, the lessons of history are at risk of being forgotten. The Holocaust did not occur as an isolated event but was the culmination of propaganda, prejudice, and systematic dehumanization. Politicians, historians, and Holocaust survivors are warning louder than ever that the conditions that led to one of the darkest chapters in human history are re-emerging.
Background
The Holocaust took place throughout all of Axis-controlled Europe from 1933 until 1945 and targeted not only Jews but also other ‘undesirable’ groups in society such as Roma, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, political opponents, and many more. Discrimination and persecution of these people was systemic and organized, supported by the legal system, many official organizations and institutions, and individuals from the general population and those in positions of power. The Nazis exploited this organized hatred, particularly antisemitism, to blame groups in society for economic, social, and political hardship. This allowed them to unify large parts of the population behind their radical ideologies, and justified the deprivation of their victims from freedom, basic rights, and human dignity.
Holocaust Remembrance for Dignity and Human Rights
The United Nations (UN) chose the theme ‘Holocaust Remembrance and Education for Dignity and Human Rights’ for this year’s International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, signifying the importance that the deprivation of dignity played in the atrocities committed by the Nazis. But the theme also signifies the hope sparked by the progress that humanity has made since the end of World War II. The Holocaust incentivized the creation of the UN, which by now unifies 193 nations behind a shared commitment to Human Rights and cooperation, for a world where all could live in peace and dignity, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religion. Over the past 80 years, humanity has created a bulwark against malicious forces, aiming to undermine human society through dehumanization, hatred, and intolerance. This year’s theme calls upon all of us to defend and stand up for the frameworks that were created by our global community to safeguard the rights and dignity of everyone living within it.
Events
The International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust is accompanied by a series of events, beginning with exhibitions in the Visitors’ Lobby at the United Nations Headquarters on January 16. The exhibitions consist of photographs and visual materials as well as survivor testimonies and last until February 21. On January 23, the United Nations Bookshop will feature a book launch. Saints and Liars by Professor Debórah Dwork illuminates the stories of Americans who travelled abroad to rescue people who were targeted by Nazi Germany and other racist regimes. On January 29, a film screening will take place in the Center for Jewish History in New York, showing the movie UnBroken, featuring the story of a Holocaust survivor. The main event, a Holocaust memorial ceremony, will take place on January 27, the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, in the UN Headquarters. The event will feature testimonies of Holocaust survivors, as well as invited speakers, including the UN Secretary-General and the President of the 79th session of the General Assembly.
The Position of GICJ
Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ)supports the UN’s focus on dignity and human rights for this International Day. Every act of remembrance is also accompanied by a responsibility to not repeat the mistakes from the past. This demands active engagement in protecting human dignity and combating discrimination. Our frameworks, such as the UN and human rights principles, have never been more important than they are today. The Holocaust is a stark reminder of the consequences that dehumanization, prejudice, and silence in the face of oppression can have. With rising nationalism, disinformation, and inequalities, the painfully achieved fruits of human cooperation are directly threatened. As the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz comes around, we want to remember and honor the victims of the Nazi regime and commit to continuous education, critical reflection, and advocacy for justice.
