International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Every year, UNESCO pays tribute to the victims of the Holocaust on 27 January. The day is observed as the International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Key Points

• January 27 marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau by Soviet troops in the year 1945.
• Every year, on this day, UNESCO reaffirms its commitment to counter racism, anti-Semitism, and other forms of intolerance that can result in group-targeted violence.
• January 27 was officially proclaimed to be observed as the International Holocaust Remembrance Day in November 2005 by the United Nations General Assembly.
• The Holocaust had consequences for many parts of the world and affected countries in which Nazi crimes were perpetrated.
• Member States of UNGA have a collective responsibility to maintain effective remembrance policies, care for historic sites, address the residual trauma, and promote education, documentation, and research.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2021

In 2021 for the first time, UNESCO and the United Nations will jointly organize a series of events, in association with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, to mark the 76th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and extermination camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau. All the events are online due to COVID-19. Events include a commemoration ceremony, exhibitions in Paris and other Field Offices of UNESCO across the world, and a panel discussion on Holocaust denial and distortion.