OSCE Chairperson marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day, emphasizes importance of tolerance education

VILNIUS, 27 January 2011 – The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis, commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance Day today with a call for OSCE participating States to further intensify efforts to combat anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance and promote remembrance and education.

“This Day of Holocaust Remembrance for millions of Jewish and other victims, including Roma and Sinti, serves as a lasting reminder that we must be vigilant and vigorous in our efforts to combat intolerance and hatred,” said Ažubalis.

“We must commemorate the victims by teaching people about the Holocaust, and ensuring that the dignity and human rights of all people are respected.”

OSCE participating States have committed themselves to “promote remembrance of and, as appropriate, education about the tragedy of the Holocaust, and the importance of respect for all ethnic and religious groups”. The OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, in co-operation with the Yad Vashem International School for Holocaust Studies in Israel, has published practical guidelines for teachers, available in 13 languages, entitled Preparing Holocaust Memorial Days: Suggestions for Educators.

In September 2010, Lithuania’s Parliament (Seimas) declared 2011 as Year of Remembrance for the Victims of the Holocaust in Lithuania. Tolerance education is also a priority of Lithuania’s 2011 OSCE Chairmanship.