January 27 is declared as “The International Holocaust Remembrance Day” by a Resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005, of which Turkey is one of the co-sponsors. January 27 marks the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau Death Camp on that date in 1945, which became one of the symbols of the World War II era.

Racism, extremism and antisemitism are the phenomena which soared in Europe before World War II and caused one of the major tragedies in history, that came to be called Holocaust. Millions of innocent people, primarily Jews, were exterminated in an organized and systematic way by the Nazi regime and its collaborators.

We commemorate millions of people who lost their lives during the Holocaust with respect.

Today, it is our duty to do whatever it takes to avoid the reoccurance of Holocaust which is one of the darkest periods of human history. This is the common responsibility for all humanity.

In this respect, Turkey actively participates in the activities of the “International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance” as an observer since 2008 and continues its efforts for the Holocaust not to be forgotten and to forward the lessons learned to younger generations. Within this framework, as in previous years, a commemoration ceremony is organized today, on 27 January 2017, with broad participation. Alongside students, lecturers, representatives of diplomatic corps and members of the Turkish Jewish Community, Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Tuğrul Türkeş will participate in this ceremony hosted by the University of Ankara.

Being aware of its responsibility, Turkey will resolutely continue its fight against anti-semitism, racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia, which unfortunately have regained ground in today’s world.