Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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January 26, 2026 UN
On the eve International Holocaust Remembrance DayOn January 27, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for people to not only remember the tragedy of the past, but also to reflect on the challenges of the present and their responsibility for the future.
He said the events of 1945 may seem like distant history, but within living memory, millions of Jews and members of other minorities fell victim to the Nazi regime. They were stripped of their dignity, persecuted, and ultimately exterminated "with alarming conveyor belt efficiency—systematically, openly, and with impunity."
Türk emphasized that the Holocaust began not with death camps, but with indifference and silence in the face of injustice, as well as the gradual dehumanization of people. "Today, as always, we must remember this," he noted.
Increase in the number of threats and attacks
The High Commissioner expressed alarm at the increase in threats against Jews and attacks on Jewish communities in recent years. He recalled high-profile attacks in Sydney And Manchester, emphasizing that countless everyday instances of violence and abuse that don't make the news also inflict deep wounds on individuals and communities. Moreover, he noted, hatred and dehumanization are increasingly permeating the digital space.
At the same time, Türk noted that today humanity has greater capacity to counter these dangerous trends. Society has at its disposal the memory of the past, education, access to information, and a system of human rights enshrined in international law.
Common humanity
The High Commissioner called for the use of these tools to combat racism, anti-Semitism, and dehumanization. He emphasized the need for laws prohibiting discrimination in all forms and called on politicians to "unite, not divide" people through their actions. He also noted the importance of ensuring that people of all generations are aware of the Holocaust and human rights. In this context, he emphasized the need to create inclusive mechanisms for moderating digital content.
“First of all, we must defend our common humanity every day,” Türk said. He recalled examples of selflessness during the Holocaust, which testify to the power of compassion and reason.
The last witnesses of that era are passing away, but their example and inspiring stories live on, he added, citing the recently deceased Eva Schloss, who promoted tolerance and spread knowledge about the Holocaust.
"Together, we must confront ideas of exclusivity, superiority, and intolerance wherever we encounter them—at the family table, at work, on social media. Each of us can become a builder of a world free of discrimination and intolerance," the High Commissioner emphasized.
In conclusion, Türk quoted Eva Schloss's half-sister, Anne Frank: "You don't have to wait another minute to start making the world a better place."
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