Euro-MP backs calls for European Holocaust Memorial Day

12.04.14pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 27th Jan 2005

On the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, The European Parliament today passed a joint resolution, paying homage to the countless victims of the Holocaust.

The resolution also stressed the importance for all Europeans never to forget their history as well as the need for education to instruct both present and future generations.

It further calls on all European Institutions and Member States to condemn acts of intolerance and racial hatred, especially expressions of anti-semitism. The text also recommends making 27th January a permanent European Holocaust memorial day and for the Council of Ministers to restart the stalled discussions on an EU law banning incitement to racial and religious hatred.

Speaking following the vote West Midlands Euro-MP Liz Lynne

"We must treat this day of commemoration with all the solemnity and dignity it deserves, but also we have to make sure we combat all acts of anti-semitism, racism, xenophobia and ethnic discrimination as well as discrimination against disabled people, all of which continue to poison our society still to this day.

"Unfortunately, anti-Semetic attacks are still common in today's Europe. Indeed anti-Semitism is rising in Britain, Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands. There were over 500 incidents between July 2003 and June 2004 in the UK alone. This compares with nearly 600 in France and over 1100 in Germany. Two weeks ago Swastikas and SS symbols were painted on to 10 gravestones in a Jewish cemetery in this country.

"The virus of racism and anti-semitism will not be eradicated however through the banning of symbols as some people have suggested recently. There is urgent need to address the substance of race hate, both its root causes and its criminal output.

"What matters is that each new generation should be taught about the depravities which mankind is capable of, and the need to fight all discrimination which can lead to these acts of barbarity."