About: Holocaust Memorial Day
Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) is the international day of remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust and of other genocides. On it, we commemorate victims, honour survivors and commit to tackling prejudice, discrimination and racism in the present day. We encourage nations to conquer genocide and atrocity and individuals to stand up against hatred.
HMD is marked each year on 27 January – the anniversary of the date of the liberation of Nazi death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau.
HMD sets out to motivate people to make sure that the horrendous crimes committed during the Holocaust and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and the ongoing atrocities in Darfur, are neither forgotten nor repeated, whether in Europe or elsewhere in the world.
HMD—Relevant to us, today
Nazi ideology was founded on racism, anti-semitism and discrimination, creating a fascist state that rejected human and civil rights. The evils of prejudice, discrimination and intolerance continue to exist in Britain. We categorise, stereotype, discriminate, exclude, bully, persecute, attack – because of race, religion, disability, sexuality. We damage, and are damaged, as a result of our refusal to accept our common humanity. We murder. Nations commit genocide. HMD acts as a reminder to all of us of our responsibility to protect the civil and human rights of all people in our society and across the world.
HMD: YOUR INVITATION
HMD – 27th January – is the international day of remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust and of other genocides.
Hundreds of events, open to all, are held across the UK to mark HMD. You can join in one of these or create one of your own. Anyone can organise an activity to commemorate HMD.
Individual symbolic acts, like lighting a candle or observing a silence also signify your commitment to remember the past and create a better future.
In hundreds of places across the UK, and in thousands around the world, people come together to honour the past and build a safer, fairer world.
For further information on Holocaust Memorial Day, and how the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust can assist you in your commemorations, please visit the main HMD website