Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Holocaust for Humanity

To mark the 80th anniversary since the liberation of Auschwitz, the United Nations in South Africa, along with the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre and Education Africa, hosted a commemoration of the Holocaust Remembrance Day under the theme, “Holocaust remembrance and education for dignity and human rights”. The event welcomed Grade 9 students from Masibambane Primary School in Orange Farm, Johannesburg, offering them an opportunity to engage with history and reflect on its enduring lessons. 

“Remembrance is a moral act. And a call to action.  To know the history of the Holocaust is to know the depths to which humanity can sink. To understand how the Nazis were able to commit their heinous crimes, with the complicity of others,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in his statement to mark the anniversary. “And to comprehend that each of us has a solemn duty – to speak-up against hate, and to stand-up for the human rights of all. Following the hell of the Holocaust, countries came together. And they enshrined the dignity of every person in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In dark times, that document remains a shining light.” 

During the activities, students watched a video about the Holocaust, the Nazi regime, and its victims' trauma. The video included historical footage and visual depictions of the devastating consequences of hate, prejudice, and antisemitism. For many learners, the video seemed to have evoked a mix of emotions: shock, sadness, and empathy. Some were visibly moved as they began to grasp the scale of the atrocities and the suffering endured by millions. After the video screening, the students were taken on a guided tour of the centre, where they explored exhibits that further detailed the Holocaust's history, including artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays. 

The commemoration also highlighted the enduring lived experience of Holocaust survivor Miriam Lazarus. "We need to be human. Survival should not be a fight—we must live as human beings, embracing compassion, unity, and the dignity of all," she said in her remarks.

Her words spoke to the core of what it means to live in a world where kindness, empathy, and mutual respect takes precedence over conflict, hatred, and division. It is a call to action for all of us to recognize that true humanity is not defined by the ability to endure suffering but by the strength to foster peace, understanding, and solidarity.

The UN team facilitated an engaging session for the students. They were introduced to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their relevance in creating a more just and peaceful world. Particular focus was given to SDG 16, which promotes “peace, justice, and strong institutions,” critical in preventing atrocities like the Holocaust and genocide. 

The learners also participated in a Model UN-style debate, where they explored global issues, analyzed their root causes, and proposed solutions. This interactive session not only deepened their understanding of SDGs but also empowered them to think critically about the importance of standing up against injustice and building a future founded on human rights and dignity.

The Holocaust remembrance is not just a reflection on the past but a call to action. As the world grapples with rising intolerance and human rights abuses, these lessons are more relevant than ever. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, born in the aftermath of the Holocaust, remains a beacon of hope, urging humanity to uphold dignity, equality, and justice for all.