States must do more to combat anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance, raise awareness, says OSCE Chairperson on Holocaust Remembrance Day

WARSAW, 27 January 2014 - Speaking on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swiss Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter, who is currently on a state visit to Poland, urged OSCE participating States to step up their efforts to combat anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance, and to raise awareness of the tragedy of the Holocaust, especially among young people.

“International Holocaust Remembrance Day is an important opportunity for us to reflect upon lessons of the past, and to assess what we all can do to confront present day acts of hatred,” said Burkhalter.

“Manifestations of anti-Semitism, discrimination against Roma and Sinti and other forms of hate or intolerance continue to threaten stability and security throughout our region. We must step up our efforts to prevent and combat such acts.”

He added that OSCE participating States have committed themselves to promoting remembrance and education about the tragedy of the Holocaust, teaching about tolerance, and the importance of respect for all ethnic and religious groups.

He also urged States to intensify co-operation with his Personal Representatives and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) to combat intolerance and discrimination.

“I will personally pay my respects to the victims of the Holocaust during a visit to the Auschwitz Memorial Site and Museum in Oświęcim tomorrow,” Burkhalter said. “It is vital for the authorities and civil society in the OSCE States to do their utmost to help today's young people comprehend the meaning of the tragedy and thus make sure it never happens again.”