In memory of the victims of the Holocaust, the United Nations affirms its commitment to promoting human rights for all

Miguel Moratinos, High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, delivered the Secretary-General’s address at the annual commemoration of Holocaust victims at the Park East Synagogue in New York.

Moratinos, on behalf of the Secretary-General, said that more than a year had passed since the horrific terrorist attacks launched by Hamas on 7 October. He welcomed the ceasefire agreement and the release of the hostages. He stressed that the United Nations will do its utmost to ensure that the agreement leads to the release of all hostages and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

The UN official noted that eighty years have passed since the Holocaust, and said: The history of the Holocaust is one of the most complete periods of moral collapse, dehumanization, complicity and unimaginable atrocities. He added: “But amidst all this horror, there are also stories of humanity and courage.”

He spoke about the victims who resisted the brutality of the Nazis and supported each other with solidarity and compassion, the survivors who told the world about their experiences, and the people of conscience who took action, including the diplomats who used their powers to save lives.

In the speech read by Moratinos, the Secretary-General said that during these times of international turmoil and the rise of anti-Semitism and hatred against many communities, it is important to remember the stories of those people who used their power for good in the worst of times.

He added that they are “They remind us all of our duty, both individually and collectively, to stand with humanity and against hatred and discrimination.”